Coronavirus: Primary sector exports tipped to grow by $1.7b despite pandemic
Published Jun 24, 2020
Tridge summary
Exports of rock lobster and logs took a multimillion-dollar hit during lockdown but the outlook for New Zealand's primary sector isn't all doom and gloom.
Original content
In fact, exports from the sector are on track to grow by $1.7 billion this year, according to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). The ministry released an Economic Update for the Primary Industries this week, in place of its usual quarterly Situation and Outlook report. The update showed year-to-date primary industries export revenue was tracking 4.5 per cent ($1.7b) higher than last year. Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor said the predicted growth would help underpin New Zealand's Covid-19 recovery. “Overseas consumers are now more than ever looking for healthy, New Zealand-made food. We’ve seen that with the sustained demand for fresh fruit, particularly in Europe and North America and the strong demand for red meat in China,” O’Connor said. “Our farmers and growers are in a strong position to help us reboot our economy." Provisional trade data from Stats NZ showed live exports of rock lobster (crayfish) slumped by 82 per cent (nearly $38 million) from February to ...
By clicking “Accept Cookies,” I agree to provide cookies for statistical and personalized preference purposes.
To learn more about our cookies, please read our Privacy Policy.