New Zealand’s red meat sector welcomes the new trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates

// International trade

The Government announced today that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will eliminate all tariffs on frozen beef and sheepmeat from New Zealand upon on entry into force of the agreement. Chilled products are already tariff-free.

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Meat Industry Association Independent Chair Nathan Guy says the UAE is New Zealand’s 21st largest market by value so there is huge potential to grow.

“The UAE is an important market for New Zealand’s red meat sector, generating $47 million of export earnings in 2023/24, making it the second largest market in the Gulf Cooperation Council after Saudi Arabia.

“It is among the world’s wealthiest economies and there is increasing demand in the market for the high-quality, safe, sustainable, and nutritious products that New Zealand can provide.”

Mr Guy says with a population where over 75% are Muslim, the UAE is a key halal market that is increasingly looking for reliable sources of high-quality red meat that meets their strict halal expectations. 

“Halal-certified exports made up 37 percent of total red meat exports and were worth approximately $3 billion in 2023/24, so New Zealand is well placed to meet the UAE’s red meat needs.”

Beef + Lamb New Zealand Chair Kate Acland says New Zealand farmers are raising sheep and cattle to provide the UAE market with the high quality, safe, sustainable and nutritious products they are seeking. 

“It’s a tough time financially for farmers currently and this news is a welcome boost. Improving market access settings for New Zealand’s beef and sheepmeat is critical with approximately 60 percent of export revenues flowing through to farmers.”  

“We know food security is a priority for the UAE with international trade identified as a key enabler, and beef in particular, cited in their strategy as a key food item to secure supply in.

“The UAE has a strong interest in environmental sustainability, and with our strong environmental credentials we can provide consumers with assurances that the food they are eating aligns with their values,” Ms Acland says. 

Mr Guy and Ms Acland thank Minister for Trade, and for Agriculture, Hon Todd McClay, and the negotiators on both sides for their hard work in securing this agreement. 

Note to reports: 

  • Total sector exports to the UAE (red meat and fifth quarter products including wool) were worth $53m in 2023/24.
  • The UAE is the 21st largest market in 2023/24.
  • The total UAE tariffs for frozen beef and sheepmeat is currently 5%, costing the sector approximately $750,000 in 2023. The CEPA will remove this cost. 

ENDS

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