NZ red meat exports hit $867m in August, up 23% on last year
New Zealand's red meat and fifth-quarter export earnings reached $867 million in August, marking a 23% increase compared to the same period last year. The growth was driven by stronger returns in key markets like China, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Why it matters
The data highlights the economic resilience of New Zealand's agricultural sector despite global cost-of-living pressures and market volatility.
Strong returns across key markets helped lift New Zealand red meat export earnings in August. Photo / Meat Industry Association
New Zealand’s red meat and fifth-quarter exports reached $867 million in August, up 23% on the same month last year, as stronger returns lifted earnings across all major markets.
The Meat Industry Association released the export data yesterday, coinciding with the annual Red Meat Sector conference in Wellington.
Sheepmeat exports were worth $309m, 20% more than in August last year.
China increased 46% to $71m, while the United Kingdom rose 118% to $54m and became the third-largest sheepmeat market by value for the month.
Beef exports increased 26% in value to $403m.
The United States remained the leading market at $155m, up 30%, while China rose 12% to $79m and Canada increased 55% to $18m.
Fifth-quarter exports increased 13% to $156m.
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