New Zealand’s red meat sector has unveiled a new strategy to boost export returns, as new analysis shows non-tariff trade barriers (NTBs) are costing the industry an estimated $1.5 billion every year.
The Meat Industry Association (MIA) and Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) launched their biennial Barriers to International Trade report and joint value-growth strategy, Our Pathway to Growing Value, at the Red Meat Sector Conference in Christchurch today.
MIA Independent Chair Nathan Guy says the two documents clearly show the opportunity to unlock significant economic value through trade policy and improved market access.
“When used appropriately, non-tariff measures can deliver genuine consumer benefits such as science-based biosecurity and food safety requirements, or sanitary and phytosanitary measures. But when they add cost without value, they become barriers to trade, dragging down the sector and reducing returns for farmers, processors, and the wider economy.
“That’s why we’ve released this year’s Barriers to International Trade report alongside our new strategy. Together, they provide a roadmap for working with government and trading partners to systematically reduce these barriers and grow value across the sector.
“If we get this right, it means more money back into farmers’ pockets, and more reinvestment in processing innovation and sector growth.”
The Ministry for Primary Industries’ latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries report forecasts an eight per cent increase in red meat export revenue this year.
“This growth shows positive momentum, but also highlights how much unrealised value remains,” says Mr Guy.
“We could be doing even better if we weren’t constantly navigating a maze of inefficient and inconsistent trade rules.”
B+LNZ chair Kate Acland says that while demand for our red meat exports remains strong out of the US, the imposition of a 10 per cent tariff under the new administration will see total tariffs faced by the sector more than double from $155 million to $367 million.
Trade barriers not only add cost but add uncertainty for farmers and our processors and exporters.
The new strategy focuses on improving competitiveness by lifting farm level productivity, telling the story of our low environmental footprint and ensuring there is an enabling regulatory framework allowing headroom for growth.
“Our global reputation for safe, sustainable food is our most valuable export asset.
“The Pathway to Growing Value strategy shows how we can align regulatory settings to reward that advantage, while helping farmers and processors get more value from every kilogramme exported.”
The strategy and report were launched in front of Government ministers, officials and industry leaders at the conference.
The two documents can be found on the MIA website:
ENDS
For media enquiries please contact:
MIA
Leigh Coleman-Shaw
027 847 0100
leigh.coleman-shaw@mia.co.nz
B+LNZ
Nicole Botha
027 235 9806
media@beeflambnz.com