New Zealand’s red meat trade posted higher revenues in July despite reduced shipment volumes.
Export values rose to $864 million, the Meat Industry Association (MIA) confirmed, while combined beef and sheepmeat tonnage slipped 7% from July 2024. European markets and elevated global prices provided the key lift. MIA chief executive Sirma Karapeeva said the outcome reinforced confidence in international positioning.
Europe Pays Premium for New Zealand Sheepmeat
“The volume of sheepmeat exports to the EU was largely unchanged from last July at 3,957 tonnes, but the value grew by 34% to $85 million, making it the largest sheepmeat market by value for the month,” Karapeeva said.
The strong returns from Europe point to a willingness among buyers to pay premium prices, even as supply remains tight.
Global Meat Prices Hit Record Levels
Global market conditions also played a role. Karapeeva noted that the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s Meat Price Index reached an all-time high in July.
She said the surge was “mostly driven by higher beef and sheepmeat prices” and highlighted “the current level of strong global meat prices.”
Market-by-Market Export Performance
The United States remained New Zealand’s largest customer, taking $262m of exports, up 11% year-on-year. Beef exports fell 3% to 14,845 tonnes but increased 13% in value to $174m. Sheepmeat volumes edged up to 2,686 tonnes, while value jumped 20% to $57m.
China, the second-biggest market, imported $175m worth of red meat, a 17% increase. Beef exports held steady at 9,350 tonnes, with value climbing 14% to $73m. Sheepmeat volumes fell 11% to 8,724 tonnes, yet the value lifted 34% to $60m.
The United Kingdom stood out for beef products. Exports soared to 2,266 tonnes worth $28.6m, up 688% in volume and 564% in value. Karapeeva said UK government data showed beef production between January and July fell 4.6%, or almost 25,000 tonnes. Sheepmeat shipments to the UK fell sharply, but higher prices still pushed values up 4% to $42m.
Exports rose strongly to Taiwan ($40m, +51%) and the Netherlands ($39m, +39%).
Beef, Sheepmeat and Co-Product Trends
Sheepmeat exports totalled 22,779 tonnes, down 11% in volume but up 21% in value to $308m. Beef reached 35,847 tonnes, a 4% decline, though value surged 17% to $402m.
Gains were seen in edible offal (+14%), prepared meats (+19%), and casings and tripe (+38%), but these were offset by steep falls in blood products (-55%) and tallow (-16%) while Co-products held steady at $155m.
The red meat sector continues to demonstrate resilience. Exporters are benefitting from diversified market access and premium pricing, with Europe and the UK showing strong demand.