New Zealand Red Meat Exports Surge to $864 Million in July

New Zealand’s red meat exports reached an impressive $864 million in July, driven by robust demand from the European Union for sheepmeat. This marks a significant achievement for the sector, despite a 7% decline in combined sheepmeat and beef export volumes compared to July 2024. The total value of exports rose by 19%, reflecting strong global meat prices.

Strong Demand from the European Union

According to Sirma Karapeeva, chief executive of the Meat Industry Association, the European Union emerged as a particularly notable market for New Zealand’s red meat. The volume of sheepmeat exports to the EU remained stable at 3,957 tonnes, similar to the same period last year. However, the value of these exports surged by 34% to $85 million, establishing the EU as the largest sheepmeat market by value for the month.

Karapeeva noted that the demand from the EU is consistent with broader trends in global meat prices. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations reported that its Meat Price Index reached an all-time high in July, primarily driven by rising prices for beef and sheepmeat.

The increase in export value despite a decrease in volume suggests that buyers are willing to pay higher prices for quality products, reinforcing New Zealand’s reputation as a leading supplier of premium red meat.

Future Outlook for New Zealand’s Red Meat Sector

Looking ahead, industry experts expect continued interest from international markets, particularly as global demand for high-quality red meat remains strong. The July figures reflect not only the resilience of New Zealand’s meat export sector but also the potential for growth in emerging markets.

With the agricultural sector being a key contributor to New Zealand’s economy, the performance of red meat exports is closely monitored. As global meat prices fluctuate, New Zealand’s ability to adapt and meet international demand remains crucial for sustaining its competitive edge in the market.

The strong performance in July highlights the importance of the European market, and industry stakeholders are likely to focus on maintaining and expanding these relationships in the coming months. The continued demand from the EU, coupled with favorable pricing trends, suggests a positive outlook for New Zealand’s red meat exports in the near future.