New Zealand Meat Exports Hit Record NZ$13.1 Billion as Beef and Sheepmeat Values Surge
New Zealand's red meat and fifth-quarter exports rose 23% to NZ$867 million in August, with gains in beef and sheepmeat across the US, China, Canada and the UK. The 2025-26 financial year closed at a record NZ$13.1 billion, up 21%, as the sector shifts toward higher-value chilled and frozen cuts.
August Exports Jump 23% on Stronger Global Prices
New Zealand's red meat and fifth-quarter exports reached NZ$867 million in August, up 23% compared with the same month last year, according to data released by the Meat Industry Association (MIA) to coincide with the annual Red Meat Sector conference in Wellington this week. MIA chief executive Nick Beeby said export volumes also rose year-on-year, but the larger shift was in value, reflecting improved returns from international markets. Beeby noted the gains were broad-based, with export values higher across all major markets and increases for both sheepmeat and beef in China.
Beef Exports Rise 26% as US Demand Strengthens
Beef exports were worth NZ$403 million in August, a 26% increase on a year earlier. The United States remained the largest market, taking NZ$155 million, up 30%, while China grew 12% to NZ$79 million and Canada rose 55% to NZ$18 million. Fifth-quarter exports, a separate category covering offal and other co-products, were worth NZ$156 million, up 13%.
- United States: NZ$155 million, up 30%
- China: NZ$79 million, up 12%
- Canada: NZ$18 million, up 55%
Sheepmeat Gains Driven by China and the United Kingdom
Sheepmeat exports totaled NZ$309 million, 20% higher than August last year. China was the standout market, up 46% to NZ$71 million, while the United Kingdom rose 118% to NZ$54 million, making it the third-largest sheepmeat market by value for the month.
- China: NZ$71 million, up 46%
- United Kingdom: NZ$54 million, up 118%
Record NZ$13.1 Billion Annual Result Reflects Shift to Value-Added Cuts
The August performance builds on a record financial year. Red meat and fifth-quarter exports totaled NZ$13.1 billion in the 2025-26 financial year, ending June 30, 21% higher than in 2024-25 and the highest annual export value on record, Beeby said. He described the sector as a New Zealand success story in generating more revenue from a smaller livestock base, driven by higher global prices, strong demand for premium cuts and a sustained shift toward processed, chilled and frozen products. Around 97% of exported product is now high-value chilled or frozen cuts, supported by co-products and a diversified global trading network, while frozen carcases account for just 3% of trade. Beeby cautioned that a single month's data should be viewed in context, given global volatility and cost-of-living pressures that may push some consumers toward lower-value proteins.
