Lamb exports in New Zealand up 12 percent in August on the previous year

Lamb exports rose 12 per cent in August compared to a year ago, but farmers have less in their pockets. The value of the exports was up 5 per cent, from $177.5 million last year to $186.7m in 2020, according to the Meat Industry Association. A bump in exports to Britain and the European Union offset a reduction in the value of sheepmeat exports to Chinawhich was down 13 per cent for the same period. Association chief executive Sirma Karapeeva said more than 2000 tonnes of sheepmeat was exported to Britain in August. The value of the exports was up 43 per cent to $20m, despite the approach of Brexit. Exports to the Netherlands were up 80 per cent, and Germany 30 per cent, with sales to France and Belgium also increasing, she said. Karapeeva said the jump in exports was due in part to the time of year, as British production began to peter out in August and the majority of British lamb went to Europe. Some exports that would have been destined for China had been diverted. However, a ...