New Zealand red meat exports grow
New Zealand’s red meat sector recorded another strong month in February, with exports reaching $1.1 billion — a 25 per cent increase compared to February 2024.
The United States was the largest export market, increasing by 32 per cent to $339 million, while China rose five per cent to $278 million. The European Union (EU) also experienced significant growth, with both beef and sheepmeat exports rising.
Sirma Karapeeva, chief executive of the Meat Industry Association (MIA), said the latest figures reflect a continued recovery in global demand.
“While export volumes saw only small changes, the value of exports rose significantly compared to last year. The New Zealand red meat sector remains agile, responding swiftly to market fluctuations to maximise value.”
Exports to the EU saw particularly strong growth, with sheepmeat volumes rising 42 per cent to 8,579 tonnes and the value increasing 84 per cent to $152 million.
This was the highest volume of exports to the EU in February since 2019 and the first time that monthly sheepmeat exports to the EU had exceeded $150 million since 2009, and reflects a general increase in the global demand for sheepmeat and tight in-market inventories in the EU.
There was also a further recovery in sheepmeat exports to China, while beef exports to both Canada and the United States increased. For the first time, beef exports to the US exceeded $250 million in a single month.
Other key markets also performed strongly. Exports to the Netherlands increased by 45 per cent to $57 million, while the United Kingdom saw a 42 per cent rise to $54 million. Japan also experienced growth, with exports rising by 16 per cent to $53 million.
Sheepmeat
Sheepmeat exports in February increased by four per cent in volume to 41,792 tonnes, while the value climbed 35 per cent to $473 million.
Volumes to China rose by nine per cent to 19,733 tonnes, with the value increasing by 40 per cent to $133 million.
The volume of exports to the UK declined slightly by two per cent, but the value grew by 37 per cent to $40 million. The United States was the only major market where sheepmeat exports decreased, falling 36 per cent in volume to 2,646 tonnes and five per cent in value to $62 million.
Beef
Beef export volumes were down five per cent to 44,786 tonnes, but the value rose 23 per cent to $486 million, primarily driven by strong demand in North America.
Exports to the United States increased by 15 per cent in volume to 21,308 tonnes and 58 per cent in value to $251 million.
Canada also saw a significant rise, with volumes up 30 per cent to 2,140 tonnes and the value jumping 77 per cent to $24 million.
While beef exports to China declined due to continued competition from South American suppliers, particularly Brazil, there was an increase to other North Asian markets.
There was an increase in beef exports to Japan, where the value rose by 24 per cent to $33 million, and to Korea, where it climbed 49 per cent to $15 million.
Fifth quarter
The value of fifth quarter (co-products) exports also grew, rising seven per cent to $169 million for the month.
Edible offals increased by 30 per cent to $40 million, while casings and tripe rose 31 per cent to $36 million.
Prepared and preserved meat products also saw growth, increasing by 19 per cent to $22 million.
China remained the largest market for these products at $54 million, followed by the US at $26 million and Australia at $18 million.
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Sirma Karapeeva
021 256 5347
Sam Halstead
027 474 6065