NEW ZEALAND: New Zealand’s beef export returns have reached a record high, overtaking sheep export returns for the first time in two decades. The results were released by Beef + Lamb New Zealand to mark the end of the 2014-15 meat export season, which concluded on 30 September.
The levy board noted that sheep exports were constrained by supply, whilst beef production increased over the period. This was due to strong US demand and low dairy prices.
Beef exports over the season averaged $7,510 per tonne, exceeding $6000 for the first time, compared with $5,970 in the previous season. The biggest beef export markets were the US and China, with demand significantly increased in North America and North Asia over the period.
Although sheepmeat exports declined, the average value of lamb rose by 3.4 per cent. New Zealand lamb export returns reached $2.6 billion in 2014-15, up 1.3 per cent on the previous season, with North Asia and EU the biggest lamb export regions.
The average value of mutton, however, did not increase, resulting in a 9 per cent drop in returns for mutton exports compared with the previous season.
