New Zealand meat exports fall as exports to China stall

The latest figures from the Meat Industry Association (MIA) show that China is still the largest export market for red meat. However, the industry saw its biggest drop in beef and lamb exports to this market in July. In July, lamb exports to China fell 31% in volume to 12,148 tonnes and 45% in value to $74 million, according to MIA. At the same time, beef exports to China also fell, down 29% in volume to 16,241 tonnes and 48% in value to $124 million compared to July 2022. “Although this decline can be partly explained by the high level of exports in July last year, it was still lower than other recent July figures for China,” says MIA chief executive Sirma Karapeeva. She says New Zealand lamb markets are under "significant pressure" due to declining sheep numbers and increasing beef and dairy cattle numbers. New Zealand exported $807 million worth of red meat products in July, down $293 million from the $1.1 billion exported in July 2022. Year-on-year, lamb exports fell 25% in ...