- February red meat exports rose 25 per cent, reaching $1.1 billion in total value
- United States led beef growth with record-breaking $251 million in monthly exports
- EU sheepmeat demand surged, with volumes up 42 per cent and value climbing 84 per cent
New Zealand’s red meat sector had a strong February, with exports reaching $1.1 billion — a 25 per cent increase compared to the same month in 2024. The growth was driven by rising demand in key international markets, especially for beef and sheepmeat.
The United States was the top export destination, with exports jumping 32 per cent to $339 million. For the first time, beef exports to the US exceeded $250 million in a single month. China remained another major market, increasing five per cent to $278 million. Both beef and sheepmeat exports also rose to the European Union, where demand has remained steady.
Sirma Karapeeva, chief executive of the Meat Industry Association (MIA), said, “While export volumes saw only small changes, the value of exports rose significantly compared to last year. The New Zealand red meat sector remains agile, responding swiftly to market fluctuations to maximise value.”
The EU saw one of its strongest months in recent years for sheepmeat. Volumes rose 42 per cent to 8,579 tonnes and the value soared 84 per cent to $152 million. This was the highest February sheepmeat export volume to the EU since 2019, and the first time the monthly value exceeded $150 million since 2009. The rise was linked to increased global demand and low inventories within Europe.
Sheepmeat exports overall increased by four per cent in volume to 41,792 tonnes, while value climbed 35 per cent to $473 million. China saw volumes grow by nine per cent to 19,733 tonnes and value rise by 40 per cent to $133 million. While the UK saw a small decline in volume, value increased by 37 per cent to $40 million. The US was the only major market to see a drop, with sheepmeat volumes down 36 per cent to 2,646 tonnes and value down five per cent to $62 million.
Beef volumes dipped slightly by five per cent to 44,786 tonnes, but the value rose by 23 per cent to $486 million, with North American demand leading the charge. Exports to the US increased by 15 per cent in volume and 58 per cent in value. Canada also saw a sharp rise, with a 30 per cent volume increase and 77 per cent growth in value.
Although beef exports to China fell, mainly due to strong competition from Brazil, there was growth in other North Asian markets. Japan’s beef value rose 24 per cent to $33 million, and Korea’s by 49 per cent to $15 million.
Fifth quarter products, such as offals, also grew in value by seven per cent to $169 million. Edible offals increased by 30 per cent, casings and tripe by 31 per cent, and preserved meat by 19 per cent. China was the largest market for these products at $54 million, followed by the US and Australia.