High global prices continue to drive export growth for New Zealand red meat, with the value of sales to almost all major markets increasing during September, according to an analysis by the Meat Industry Association (MIA).
New Zealand exported red meat and co-products worth USD 456,9 million during September, a 21% increase over last year. The top three markets were China (USD 168,1 million), the United States (USD 87,6 million) and the Netherlands (USD 17 million).
High export values also contributed to the growth of total red meat and ‘fifth quarter’ exports (co-products) over the last 12 months, which reached USD 6,7 billion in the year ended September, up 20% from the previous year.
Beef exports were worth USD 2,8 billion for the year (up 25%), sheepmeat exports were worth USD 2,5 billion, up 15%, and co-products exports were worth USD 1,29 billion, up 20%.
According to MIA chief executive, Sirma Karapeeva, export volumes of both sheepmeat and beef increased during September, compared to the same period last year and were the largest volumes exported in September in recent years.