August 31, 2004

New Zealand Beef Exports At Record Pace
 

New Zealand beef exports to North Asia increased significantly during July, as the ban on US beef into Japan, Korea and Taiwan continues to see increased demand for New Zealand beef.

Figures released by Meat New Zealand show that beef exports for July jumped 13% on last year to 36,670 tons. Exports for the first seven months of 2004 also increased 13% to a record high of 303,870 tons.

New Zealand beef exports to Japan for July totalled 4,238 tons. This figure is the highest monthly total on record and 235% above the same month last year (1,267 tons). 

Exports to Taiwan almost doubled on last year, rising to 2,900 tons.  Exports to Korea also increased on last year, rising 21% to 3,025 tons. Meanwhile exports in 2004 so far are up 103% to 35,760 tons.

Tight domestic cow beef supplies had contributed to July exports to the US falling 6% on last year to 17,690 tons. However very strong beef demand in the US caused exports for the first seven months of the year to jump 4% to 160,641 tons.