It's all about economics
OPINION: According to media reports, the eye-watering price of butter has prompted Finance Minister Nicola Willis to ask for a 'please explain' from her former employer Fonterra.
It also reports that the quantity of apples exported from the port of Napier fell 17%, to 20 million kilograms, in March 2023. The average quantity of apples exported from the port of Napier in March months, from 2018 to 2022, was 34 million kilograms.
Stats NZ says over the past 12 months, 62% of New Zealand apple exports (by value) were from the port of Napier. The ports of Tauranga and Nelson exported 15 and 14%, respectively.
Meanwhile, Stats NZ reports that total apple exports from New Zealand in March 2023 were valued at $99 million, up $4.4 million from March 2022. Apple season usually spans from February to October, with April, May, and June the peak months for apple exports.
"Apple export values are holding up well for the season so far, despite a fall in volume," says international trade manager Al Allen.
"As exports of apples move into their peak season, we may see further effects from the cyclones and other weather events from early 2023."
In March 2023, $31 million worth of apples were exported to China, $15 million to Vietnam, and $8.8 million to Taiwan.
Total exports from the port of Napier fell $277 million (28%) in the first three months of 2023 compared with their respective 2022 months. This fall was led by meat, down $176 million (42%).
Stats NZ also reports a steady start to kiwifruit season.
It says kiwifruit exports were up $7.4 million (5.9%) in March 2023, compared with March 2022. This was almost all Gold kiwifruit, which is typical for the first month of the season. Kiwifruit exports were mainly from the port of Tauranga (94%) in March 2023.
The kiwifruit season typically runs from March to November.
It also reports that vegetable exports also rose in March.
Onion exports in March 2023 were valued at $44 million, up 88% from March 2022, with the quantity up 25%. March is usually the peak month for the onion export season.
Total exports of squash in March 2023 were valued at $19 million, up 22% from March 2022, while the quantity decreased 17%.
Onion and squash export values combined made up 70% of total NZ vegetable exports in March 2023.
