Malt market in New Zealand

Earlier Report Observations

The malt market in New Zealand saw its volume decline from 40 845 t in 2018 to 32 341 t in 2023, with a pronounced drop to 31 003 t in 2020 driven by the COVID-19 pandemic's disruption to supply chains and local consumption. Gradual recovery ensued, supported by the consistent expansion of domestic maltster Gladfield Malt, which strengthened local production capacity through strategic hires from 2018 onward.

Regulatory developments introduced additional influences on the market. The proposed Carbon Neutrality 2050 Bill in 2019 signaled future environmental compliance costs for agriculture, while the enactment of the Water Services (Drinking Water Standards) Regulations in November 2022 raised water quality standards for malt production, potentially increasing operational expenses. These factors, alongside broader economic conditions, contributed to market volatility, with value falling to $18.7 million in 2020 before recovering to $30.3 million in 2023.

Production malt in New Zealand

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of malt, 2018-2021

World map of production of malt, 2018-2021

After a two-year decline, malt production in New Zealand increased in 2021. That year, 34 079 tonnes of malt were produced, marking a 7.0% year-over-year uptick. However, looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, production actually decreased by 5.8%, which translates to an average annual decline of 2.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 31 844 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 8.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Following a two-year decline, New Zealand's malt production value increased in 2021. The output was valued at 21 869 thousand US dollars, up by 17.6% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production value decreased by 18.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.7%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 18 599 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 27.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports malt from New Zealand

Exports in kind, t

The market showed volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 1 098 tonnes and peaked in 2020 at 4 046 tonnes, representing a 3.7-fold difference between these years. In 2021, malt volumes exported from New Zealand totaled 3 760 tonnes, which was 7.1% lower than the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2020 at 268.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Australia was the dominant market for New Zealand's malt exports in volume terms, accounting for 85.4% of total flows, while other countries together made up the remaining share.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. Export values reached their lowest point in 2019 at 806 thousand US dollars and peaked in 2021 at 2 413 thousand US dollars, showing a threefold variation. In 2021, malt shipments from New Zealand were valued at 2 413 thousand US dollars, representing a modest 2.1% increase compared to the prior year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 7.6%, while the largest increase occurred in 2020 at 193.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the geographical pattern of malt exports in value terms was characterized by Australia's strong dominance, with its share reaching 77.4% of total flows, while other partners held relatively minor shares.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from New Zealand in value, 2018-2021

Imports malt to New Zealand

Imports in kind, t

Malt imports into New Zealand declined for the third consecutive year in 2021. Imports amounted to 1 929 tonnes, which was 39.8% lower than in 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 67%, with a compound annual growth rate of -30.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium (37.3% of imports in volume terms), Australia (29.9%), and Germany (17.3%) were consistently the main sources for malt imports into New Zealand, together accounting for 84.5% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Cross-border shipments of malt into New Zealand declined for the third consecutive year in 2021. Imports totaled 1 978 thousand US dollars, which was 20.0% less compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 48.9%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 20.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Australia (33.8% of imports in value terms), Belgium (25.5%), and Germany (22.0%) were the main sources in the geographical breakdown of malt imports into New Zealand, with a combined share of 81.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to New Zealand in value, 2018-2021