New Zealand red meat exports maintains high value amid global demand

NEW ZEALAND – New Zealand’s red meat exports remained strong in July, with total export earnings reaching about US$513 million (NZ$864 million), supported by firm global prices despite reduced shipment volumes.

Data from the Meat Industry Association (MIA) shows that combined beef and sheepmeat exports were 7 percent lower by volume compared to July 2024, yet the overall value increased 19 percent, reflecting sustained high prices across major markets.

MIA chief executive Sirma Karapeeva said the European Union continued to show solid demand, with sheepmeat exports to the bloc largely steady at 3,957 tonnes but up 34 percent in value to around US$50 million (NZ$85 million), making it the highest-value destination for the month.

She noted that the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Meat Price Index hit a record high in July, driven mainly by elevated prices for both beef and sheepmeat globally.

Export values increased across most of New Zealand’s major markets compared to the same period last year.

The United States remained the leading destination, importing products worth about US$156 million (NZ$262 million), up 11 percent, followed by China at US$104 million (NZ$175 million), up 17 percent.

The United Kingdom recorded one of the sharpest gains, rising 49 percent to about US$43 million (NZ$73 million), while Taiwan increased 51 percent to US$24 million (NZ$40 million) and the Netherlands climbed 39 percent to US$23 million (NZ$39 million).

Sheepmeat performance

Sheepmeat exports totalled 22,779 tonnes, down 11 percent year-on-year, yet the total value rose 21 percent to about US$183 million (NZ$308 million).

China remained the biggest market by volume at 8,724 tonnes, a drop of 11 percent, although the value surged 34 percent to around US$36 million (NZ$60 million).

Exports to the United States edged up in volume to 2,686 tonnes, with value increasing 20 percent to US$34 million (NZ$57 million), while shipments to the United Kingdom fell 32 percent in volume but rose 4 percent in value to US$25 million (NZ$42 million).

Beef exports steady in value

Beef exports stood at 35,847 tonnes, 4 percent lower than last July, but value increased 17 percent to about US$239 million (NZ$402 million).

The United States took the lead with 14,845 tonnes, slightly lower than last year, yet worth US$103 million (NZ$174 million), up 13 percent in value.

China imported 9,350 tonnes of beef, almost unchanged, valued at US$43 million (NZ$73 million), while exports to the EU rose 84 percent by volume and 114 percent by value to approximately US$10.4 million (NZ$17.5 million).

The United Kingdom saw the sharpest increase, importing 2,266 tonnes worth US$17 million (NZ$28.6 million), although still below the record set in June.

Karapeeva cited UK government data showing domestic beef output between January and July fell 4.6 percent, or nearly 25,000 tonnes, compared to last year, creating opportunities for imports from New Zealand and Australia.

Co-products remain stable

Exports of co-products, known as the fifth quarter, were steady at about US$92 million (NZ$155 million).

Edible offal exports grew 14 percent to US$18 million (NZ$31 million), prepared meat products rose 19 percent to US$16 million (NZ$27 million), and casings and tripe increased 38 percent to US$16 million (NZ$27 million), although these gains were tempered by a 55 percent drop in blood product exports and a 16 percent fall in tallow shipments, both at US$9 million (NZ$15 million).

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