Wednesday, 02 December 2020 09:19

New Zealand red meat exports drop

Written by  Staff Reporters
Meat Industry Association chief executive Sirma Karapeeva. Meat Industry Association chief executive Sirma Karapeeva.

The value of New Zealand red meat exports dropped 18% in October compared to the previous year.

The market analysis, by the Meat Industry Association, also showed that sheepmeat exports fell by 25%. A 14% fall in the value of beef exports was also reported.

Exports and co-products into the United Kingdom dropped 16%.

Meanwhile, exports to the United States saw a 15% increase.

Sirma Karapeeva, chief executive of the Meat Industry Association, said the fall was mainly in China and reflected the high prices New Zealand red meat commanded last year.

She explained that in October 2019, record amounts of meat were sent to China after African Swine Fever decimated the Chinese pig herd

“While the value of exports this October was down compared to last year, it was still higher than all other October monthly exports in recent years,” she said.

She said the data demonstrated the volatility of global markets and showed the importance of a market diversification strategy.

“COVID-19 continues to severely disrupt our markets and key channels such as the food service sector and we expect this to continue through to 2021,” Karapeeva said.

“The situation is also compounded by congestion issues at ports and the appreciation of the New Zealand dollar.”

More like this

Featured

2026 fresh produce trends shaping Kiwi food culture

According to the latest Fresh Produce Trend Report from United Fresh, 2026 will be a year where fruit and vegetables are shaped by cost pressures, rapid digital adoption, and a renewed focus on wellbeing at home.

Editorial: Having a rural voice

OPINION: The past few weeks have been tough on farms across the North Island: floods and storms have caused damage and disruption to families and businesses.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Realpolitik!

OPINION: Meanwhile, red blooded Northland politician Matua Shane Jones has provided one of the most telling quotes of the year…

The Kiwi way

OPINION: This old mutt has been around for a few years now and it seems these ‘once in 100-year’ weather…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter