WELLINGTON: Sheepmeat exports from New Zealand for November 2015 have reached their highest level in 15 years.
Sheep meat exports from New Zealand in November 2015 were up by nearly a quarter on the previous year at 27,400t, according to the UK’s Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB Beef & Lamb).
This high level of exports has been driven by earlier slaughtering and large stocks. Volumes to China increased by 19% at 10,200t, while shipments to the UK were up 77% at 6,000t. Exports to the US, New Zealand’s third largest market, increased by 12% at 2,048t.
This leaves the total exports in the first two months of New Zealand’s lamb season at 48,000t, an increase of 20% from the previous year. Despite this, the average unit price of sheepmeat fell by 4%, leaving the overall value of sheepmeat exported from New Zealand in November up 19% at NZ$221.3m.
Exports from New Zealand have increased due to the large volumes left in cold storage following on from last season. Following drought conditions, slaughterings have also been higher in the first two months of the season, with lamb slaughterings for November up 24% on the previous year.
High stock levels and earlier slaughtering have driven prices lower, increasing the competitiveness of New Zealand sheepmeat on the world market. At home, sheepmeat exports for 2015 have increased by 3% (46,700t) from the previous years, according to figures released by Bord Bia.
Exports to the UK have seen a 26% rise to 12,800t, while shipments to Belgium increased by 23% to 3,500t. However, exports to Hong Kong were down 32% to 760t following on from the previous year. Volumes to France also decreased by 14% to 16,000t in 2015.
