February 29, 2012

New Zealand's dairy exports rise, meat falls in January

Compared with January 2011, New Zealand's export for milk powder, butter, and cheese exports rose by 25% in January 2012, while meat exports fell by 13%, according to Statistics New Zealand.

"The trend for dairy exports has increased strongly since August 2011," industry and labour statistics manager, Neil Kelly, said. "However, the trend for meat exports has been falling since July 2011."

Milk powder, butter, and cheese, New Zealand's largest export commodity, have increased by US$261 million in January 2012. The increase was led by unsweetened whole milk powder, up by US$134 million. Unsalted butter was up US$45 million.

Exports to China record the largest increase, up by US$173 million, led by milk powder, butter, and cheese.

Russia recorded the largest fall, down by US$20 million due to a decrease in unsalted butter exports.

Meat and edible offal, New Zealand's second-largest export commodity, fell by US$59 million. Frozen sheep and beef cuts led the decrease.