New Zealand’s red meat sector experienced a strong February, with exports reaching $1.1 billion. This figure represents a 25% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
According to the Meat Industry Association, the United States remained the largest export market for New Zealand’s red meat, with exports up by 32% to $339 million.
Exports to China grew by 5% to $278 million.
Sheep and Beef Exports
In terms of sheep meat, exports rose by 4% in volume to 41,792 tonnes, while their value surged by 35% to $473 million.
Volumes of sheep meat exports to China increased by 9% to 19,733 tonnes in February, while the export value rose significantly by 40% to $133 million.
Meanwhile, sheep meat exports in the U.S. fell 36% in volume to 2646 tonnes and 5% in value to $62m.
The volume of exports to the UK also experienced a slight decline of 2%. However, the value grew by 37% to $40 million.
In terms of beef, export volumes in February decreased by 5% to 44,786 tonnes, while the value surged by 23% to $486 million, driven primarily by strong demand from North America.
Exports to the United States grew by 15% in volume to 21,308 tonnes and surged by 58% in value ($251m).
Volumes rose 30% in Canada to 2,140 tonnes, while the value was up 77% to $24 million.
The value of beef exports to Japan also rose by 24% to $33m. In South Korea, it climbed 49% to $15m.
Variety Meats
Casings and tripe grew by 31% to $36 million, while edible offals saw a notable rise of 30%, totalling $40 million. The value of prepared and preserved meat products also grew 19% to $22 million.