According to the Meat Industry Association (MIA), New Zealand’s red meat exports ended 2024 on a positive note, with total export value increasing by 17% compared to December last year, reaching $1.04 billion.
Sirma Karapeeva, Chief Executive of the Meat Industry Association, stated that December was only the second month in 2024 where export earnings exceeded $1 billion.
The Meat Industry Association reported that New Zealand’s red meat sector continued to see strong growth in February, with export earnings reaching $1.1 billion – a 25% increase compared to February 2024.
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While export volumes saw only slight changes, export value rose significantly compared to last year.
Exports to China decreased last year but have shown some signs of improvement this year, although not clearly yet. The decline in exports to China was mainly due to increased competition. However, exports to European markets rose significantly, helping New Zealand’s total red meat export volume maintain strong growth momentum.
Exports to the EU grew strongly, with lamb export volume increasing by 42% to 8,579 tonnes and export value up by 84% to $152 million.
The United States was the largest export market, with exports increasing by 32% to $339 million, while exports to China rose by 5% to $278 million.
For the first time ever, New Zealand’s monthly beef exports to the U.S. exceeded $250 million.
This reflects a global surge in demand for red meat and dwindling inventory levels in the EU market.
Additionally, there was robust growth in other key markets:
Exports to the Netherlands increased by 45% to $57 million, while exports to the United Kingdom rose by 42% to $54 million.
Japan also saw growth, with export earnings up by 16% to $53 million. Beef exports to Japan rose in value by 24% to $33 million, and to South Korea, where value surged by 49% to $15 million.
Although beef export volume decreased by 5% to 44,786 tonnes, its value increased by 23% to $486 million, largely thanks to strong demand in North America.
Canada also experienced a significant rise, with export volume up by 30% to 2,140 tonnes and value skyrocketing by 77% to $24 million.
Annual beef exports fell by 5% in volume to 481,657 tonnes but remained stable in value at $4.39 billion.
Strong demand in key markets offset lower volumes to China, with U.S. exports increasing by 2% in volume to 183,084 tonnes and 16% in value to $1.85 billion.
>>>The rise in frozen food exports also highlights the ongoing global consumer demand for high-quality red meat from New Zealand.
>>>These results provide solid evidence of the red meat export industry’s recovery. The resilience of New Zealand’s red meat sector, coupled with diversification strategies, will support strong future growth.
Opportunities for foreign workers
This positive outlook is great news for all meat processing workers in New Zealand. No longer will they face uncertain days or worry about job stability. As the industry continues to grow, the demand for labor will also rise. This is a golden opportunity for international workers, especially from Vietnam, to achieve their dream of working and settling abroad.
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