Crayfish exports hit five-year high after coronavirus lockdown

Published 2020년 7월 8일

Tridge summary

Export volumes of live New Zealand crayfish to China have surged to their highest level since 2015, with over 300 tonnes exported in May, a 53% increase from the previous year. This recovery comes after the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the industry by closing Chinese restaurants during the Lunar New Year. The industry faced significant challenges, with export volumes dropping by 84%, 44%, and 52% in February, March, and April respectively. However, the reopening of China's hospitality industry and increased air cargo capacity have aided in the industry's recovery. Despite a 35% year-on-year decrease in overall international cargo capacity at Auckland Airport in May, there was a 33% month-on-month increase due to more cargo-only flights. Additionally, there has been a 329% year-on-year increase in export volumes of respiratory equipment since the pandemic's outbreak.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

Pent up demand from Chinese consumers for fresh New Zealand crayfish has sent export volumes soaring to levels not seen since 2015. Auckland Airport air cargo data for May shows more than 300 tonnes of live crayfish were exported to China, up 53 per cent on the same month last year. The renewed appetite for crayfish comes after a tough couple of months for the $320 million industry. The outbreak of coronavirus forced the shut-down of restaurants in China in the middle of Chinese New Year celebrations in late January. Auckland Airport figures show the rapid drop in crayfish export volumes over the next three months – down 84 per cent in February, -44 per cent in March and -52 per cent in April. The sudden and dramatic slump in export demand left fishers around the country with live stock in holding tanks and nowhere to send it. Some of the estimated 150 to 180 tonnes of crayfish were later freed. Auckland Airport aeronautical commercial general manager Scott Tasker said the ...

Source: Stuff NZ