Editorial: No Small Challenge
OPINION: There could hardly be a more appropriate theme for a conference than the one chosen by the red meat sector - Navigating Volatility.
New Zealand's red meat and fifth-quarter exports were worth $867 million in August, up 23 percent on the same month last year, according to data released by the Meat Industry Association (MIA).
The figures were released to coincide with the annual Red Meat Sector conference in Wellington on 29 September.
Sheepmeat: UK Surges, China Up Sharply
Sheepmeat exports totalled $309 million in August, 20 percent higher than the same month last year.
China rose 46 percent to $71 million, while the United Kingdom jumped 118 percent to $54 million, making it the third-largest sheepmeat market by value for the month.
Beef: US Remains Top Market, Canada Surges
Beef exports rose 26 percent in value to $403 million.
The United States remained the leading market at $155 million, up 30 percent. China increased 12 percent to $79 million, and Canada rose 55 percent to $18 million.
Fifth-quarter exports were worth $156 million, up 13 percent.
A Strong but Volatile Picture
MIA chief executive Nick Beeby said the result reflected improved international returns rather than simply higher volumes.
"A 23 per cent lift in export value is a strong result. Export volumes have also increased compared with August last year, but the more significant movement is in value, reflecting improved returns from international markets," Beeby said.
"The breadth of the result is encouraging, with export values higher across all major markets and gains for both sheepmeat and beef in China."
He cautioned against reading too much into a single month's figures. "One month's data should be viewed in context, given the global volatility and cost-of-living pressures that may push some consumers towards lower-value proteins."
Beeby said August's result builds on a record 2025/26 financial year (ending 30 June), in which red meat and fifth-quarter exports were worth $13.1 billion — 21 percent higher than 2024/25.
"Doing More With Less"
Beeby described the sector as a New Zealand success story in extracting more value from a smaller national livestock base, driven by higher global prices, strong demand for premium cuts and a continued shift toward processed, chilled and frozen products.
"Around 97 per cent of exported product is now high-value chilled or frozen cuts, supported by valuable co-products and a diversified global trading network. Frozen carcasses now account for just three per cent of trade," he said.
"This reflects the sector's focus on capturing more value from every animal and delivering products that meet the needs of customers around the world."
