August 27, 2012

New Zealand's beef exports decline 3% on-year to 331,820 tonnes for 2011-2012, the lowest fiscal year export volume of the country's beef since 2001-2002 and position 7% below the five year average.

Underpinning the decline was a drop in exports to most major destinations, with decreases recorded to South East Asia (down 2%, to 38,901 tonnes), Japan (down 4%, to 30,020 tonnes) and Korea (down 18%, to 27,138 tonnes). The impact of these declines in 2011-2012 was softened by an increase in shipments to the US (up 5%, to 155,669 tonnes), Hong Kong (up 22%, to 5,690 tonnes) and China (up 107%, to 4,341 tonnes).

While the expansion of New Zealand's dairy industry has reportedly slowed across most regions compared with previous years, it is still placing pressure upon several key beef production regions in the South Island - further restricting beef production and volumes available for export.