NZ Red Meat Exports Stumble Amid Processing Slowdown
Fewer animals being processed is hitting red-meat export volumes in New Zealand.
Meat Industry Association data shows $564 million of red-meat was exported in September – eight per cent less than September last year.
The US was the largest export market at $143 million – down 5 percent – followed by China, which dropped 41 percent year-on-year to $106 million.
New Zealand Sheep and Cattle Numbers Decline Amidst Carbon Forestry, Drought, and Low Prices
Meat Industry Association chief executive Sirma Karapeeva said in general, there was still demand for New Zealand red meat, except perhaps in China, but supplies had been constrained in recent months.
“The most noticeable trend for the month, and the third quarter, was the drop in the volume of exports compared to last year.
“This appears to be largely due to a drop in production over recent months. There has been less meat produced and available for export.”
“There were increases in both sheep and beef exports to Canada (up 71 percent to $40 million), the Netherlands (up 48 percent to $30 million) and to the UK, which grew 51 percent to $25 million.
“The volume of sheep meat exports to the UK increased by 36 percent to 1806 tonnes but the value was up by 46 percent to $18 million.
“Similarly, sheep meat exports to the EU were up 12 percent by volume to 3086 tonnes but the value was up 23 percent to $55 million.”
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