April 29, 2004

New Zealand Beef Exports Hit Record High In First Quarter

New Zealand beef and veal exports for the first quarter of 2004 jumped 11% on last year to reach 127,538 tons sw, as exports to both Japan and Korea pushed to record levels.  Along with increased exports to Japan and Korea, exports to Mexico and Taiwan showed significant growth, up 32% and 47% respectively.

The strong demand for New Zealand beef in Japan, given the BSE-induced ban on US imports, has seen New Zealand exports for March increase 114% on last year, to 3,299 tons.  New Zealand beef exports to Japan for the first quarter of 2004 rose to a record high of 9,651 tons sw, 59% higher than the previous record of 1996 (6,088 tons sw).

Similarly, New Zealand exports to Korea during the first quarter reached a record high, increasing 78% on last year to 13,700 tons sw.

Beef exports to the US for March experienced a 21% decrease on last year to 20,664 tons sw.  However, overall beef exports to the US for the first three months of 2004 increased slightly (2%).

New Zealand exports to Canada experienced a fall of 48% to 8,073 tons in the first quarter of 2004.  Canada's case of BSE in May 2003 has dimmed export prospects to this market as the country sources beef from the local herd and is unable to offer the price premiums being received in other markets.