Friday, 04 September 2020 09:05

Big increase in red meat exports to some markets

Written by  Staff Reporters
MIA chief executive, Sirma Karapeeva. MIA chief executive, Sirma Karapeeva.

Red meat exports increased to Australia, the US, the UK and Korea in July, according to a Meat Industry Association (MIA) analysis.

Overall exports to Australia increased by 58% compared to the same period last year with New Zealand benefiting from a strong domestic market across the Tasman as the country rebuilds its beef herd and experiences reduced livestock processing volumes.

Meanwhile, the overall value of exports increased by 56% to the United States, 39% to Korea, and 35% to the UK.

The increases offset a reduction in the overall value of exports to China and Japan, which dropped by 22% and 11% respectively. China remained the largest market, accounting for 31% of exports during July, with a value of $209.7 million.

Total red meat and co-product exports were worth $672 million in July, up 5% from July 2019. Sheepmeat exports were up nine% to $244 million, and beef exports up 3% to $310 million. The value of co-products exports remained similar to that of July last year, at $118 million.

MIA chief executive, Sirma Karapeeva said the trade figures demonstrated the dynamic nature of the global meat market and the value of the New Zealand red meat sector’s diverse market and product portfolio, which enables it to divert lamb, beef, mutton and co-products to different markets, as needed.

“These results are positive in a challenging global market and highlight the continuing strong international demand for New Zealand red meat,” says Karapeeva.

“There is considerable volatility in key markets, however our resilience has enabled us to continue generating significant export revenue for New Zealand. Processing companies also have a major presence in regional communities so this income is vital as the economy recovers from the impact of the COVID-19 crisis.”

Since January, New Zealand has exported 3,988 tonnes of beef to Australia, compared to 1,424 tonnes for the same period last year, said Karapeeva.

“Australia normally ranks around 10th or 11th as an overall export destination for New Zealand red meat. However, in July last year there were significantly lower levels of beef exports, which is behind the jump.”

The volume of beef exports to the US was up by 89% compared to July 2019 with the value increasing 100% to $144 million. The value of sheepmeat exports was down 27% on last year, largely reflecting the fact that a significant proportion of New Zealand sheepmeat goes into the US food service sector, which has been impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.

More like this

Editorial: NZ's great China move

OPINION: The New Zealand red meat sector, with support from the Government, has upped the ante to retain and expand its niche in the valuable Chinese market - and the signs are looking positive.

Red meat's China push

The red meat sector is launching a new campaign to lure Chinese consumers to New Zealand grass-fed beef and lamb.

Primary sector chuffed

Meat Industry Association chair Nathan Guy says his organisation welcomes the new trade deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), noting the UAE is the second largest market for the red meat sector in the Gulf Cooperation Council after Saudi Arabia.

Featured

Massey Research Field Day attracts huge interest

More than 200 people turned out on Thursday, November 21 to see what progress has been made on one of NZ's biggest and most comprehensive agriculture research programmes on regenerative agriculture.

Expo set to wow again

Stellar speakers, top-notch trade sites, innovation, technology and connections are all on offer at the 2025 East Coast Farming Expo being once again hosted in Wairoa in February.

A year of global challenges

As a guest of the Italian Trade Association, Rural News Group Machinery Editor Mark Daniel took the opportunity to make an early November dash to Bologna to the 46th EIMA exhibition.

National

Winter grazing warning

Every time people from overseas see photographs of cows up to their hocks in mud it's bad for New Zealand.

ANZ defends farm lending rates

The country's largest lender to the agriculture sector says it's not favouring home loans over farm and business lending.

Machinery & Products

Expo set to wow again

Stellar speakers, top-notch trade sites, innovation, technology and connections are all on offer at the 2025 East Coast Farming Expo…

A year of global challenges

As a guest of the Italian Trade Association, Rural News Group Machinery Editor Mark Daniel took the opportunity to make…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Review SOEs!

OPINION: NIWA has long weathered complaints about alleged stifling of competition in forecasting, and more recently, claims of lack of…

Bank reset

OPINION: Adding to calls to get banks to 'back off', NZ Agri Brokers director Andrew Laming has revealed that the…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter