New Zealand red meat sector disappointed at tariffs move

// International trade

New Zealand’s red meat sector is disappointed by the United States’ decision to impose tariffs on New Zealand exports.

image of export ship

“Our global markets are inter-connected and we need to take the time to fully assess the implications of any disruption to trade flows,” says Sirma Karapeeva, chief executive of the Meat Industry Association (MIA).

“However, New Zealand exporters are highly responsive to global market dynamics and maintain strong commercial relationships that enable us to adapt and remain flexible. Our exporters can also continue to trade into the US.

“New Zealand also has a robust trade strategy, built on well-established positive relationships across more than 100 markets.

“Tariffs distort trade and reduce market efficiency, ultimately forcing exporters and producers to accept lower prices while leaving consumers with fewer choices and higher costs.

“The US is a key importer and exporter of beef, therefore the US announcement is likely to impact the global beef market, for instance, exporting countries may re-direct their products to markets where New Zealand also operates.

“Furthermore, with the US beef herd at historically low levels and record domestic beef consumption, we are still expecting high demand from the US for beef, despite the tariff measures.

“New Zealand red meat exporters have undertaken significant planning to mitigate potential disruptions, maintain market positions, and navigate shifts in global trade patterns.”

Alan Thomson, chief executive of Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ), said it is unfortunate the US is imposing tariffs on New Zealand exports.

“It is too early to tell what the ultimate impact of this will be on farm-gate prices.  What is positive is that we have strong demand globally at present for red meat. 

“Our sector is resilient, and our exporters are working hard to find solutions, but trade barriers like this make it tougher for farmers to get a fair price for the high-quality meat they produce.”

ENDS

For more information, please contact:

Sam Halstead

027 474 6065

sam@latitudesc.co.nz

Red meat exports summary 2024

 Top 10 overall red meat and fifth quarter markets by value, 2024.

Top 10 overall red meat & fifth quarter markets

by value, 2024

1

United States

1

2

China

2

3

United Kingdom

3

4

Japan

4

5

Canada

5

6

Netherlands

6

7

Taiwan

7

8

Germany

8

9

Korea

9

10

Australia

204

Other markets

1,854

 

Total

9,861

Top 10 Red Meat Markets

Top 10 sheepmeat markets by volume, 2024
 CountryVolume (tonnes)
1China169,051
2United Kingdom42,183
3United States34,588
4Netherlands19,967
5Canada12,877
6Germany11,596
7Taiwan9,056
8Belgium8,425
9France8,194
10Saudi Arabia6,940
 Other markets50,805
 Total373,682
Top 10 sheepmeat markets by value, 2024
 CountryValue (NZ$m)
1China956
2United States625
3United Kingdom418
4Netherlands331
5Germany209
6Belgium149
7Canada140
8France106
9Taiwan70
10Japan70
 Other markets529
 Total3,605
Top 10 beef markets by volume, 2024
 CountryVolume (tonnes)
1United States183,084
2China146,943
3Japan32,590
4Canada28,364
5Korea15,399
6Taiwan14,501
7Philippines10,649
8Indonesia7,272
9United Kingdom4,417
10Saudi Arabia4,272
 Other markets34,167
 Total481,657
Top 10 beef markets by value, 2024
 CountryValue (NZ$m)
1United States1,847
2China1,053
3Japan324
4Canada259
5Taiwan146
6Korea127
7Netherlands58
8United Kingdom57
9Philippines53
10UAE41
 Other markets424
 Total4,389