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New Zealand red meat exports hit a second consecutive monthly record in May, rising to $1.6 billion, Meat Industry Association data shows.
The May result was 44% higher than the same month last year and exceeded the previous monthly record of $1.4b set in April.
Sheepmeat exports were valued at $590.4million, nearly $17m above April’s record and 33% higher than in May 2025.
Beef exports were worth $771m, up $163m from April’s record and 51% above the value recorded last May.
In a statement, association chief executive Nick Beeby said the May result was extraordinary.
"April was an exceptional month, with record export values for both beef and sheepmeat, but May has surpassed that," he said.
"This is great news for New Zealand’s economy, for rural communities across the country and for the 120,000 jobs supported by the red meat sector.
"It also reflects the continued strength of international demand for high-quality New Zealand red meat."
The increase was partly driven by higher export volumes, following a lift in processing in recent months after a slow start to the year, he said.
"In the first quarter, New Zealand produced nearly 18,000 tonnes less beef and 10,000 tonnes less sheepmeat than in the same period last year.
"By contrast, April and May production was nearly 26,000 tonnes higher for beef and more than 11,000 tonnes higher for sheepmeat than in April and May last year."
The May figures also showed export values to China reaching its highest levels in several years.
Exports to the Gulf Cooperation Council showed some recovery after earlier disruption linked to the Middle East conflict.
Although exports to the council were down 16% by volume and 26% by value compared with May last year, they were only 2% lower by volume and 9% lower by value against the May average for 2022 to 2025.
Sheepmeat
Sheepmeat export volumes rose 17% from May last year to 39,472 tonnes, and 7% above the five-year May average.
The average value of sheepmeat exports reached a record $NZ14.96/kg. Average values were also at record levels for exports to the United States at $23.56/kg, the European Union at $23.09/kg and the United Kingdom at $16.73/kg. Exports to China averaged $8.77/kg, the highest level in four years.
Export volumes increased to most major markets compared with May last year, except the EU, which fell 5% and Saudi Arabia, which was down 42%.
Higher export values meant Saudi Arabia was the only major market to record a decline in value, down 36% from May last year.
Beef
Beef export volumes increased 26% from May last year to a record monthly total of 57,899 tonnes.
Volumes to Canada, Korea and Taiwan were lower than in May last year, but the decline was more than offset by stronger shipments to New Zealand’s two largest beef markets. Exports to the US rose 59% to 28,198 tonnes, while exports to China increased 29% to 14,612 tonnes.
Export values fell to Canada, Korea and the Philippines, but were outweighed by substantial increases to the US and China. Exports to the US were up 88% to a record $413 million, while exports to China rose 47% to $129 million.
The average value of beef exports was $13.32/kg, slightly below April’s record. Exports to China averaged $8.86/kg, their highest level in almost four years.
Fifth quarter
Fifth quarter exports also strengthened in May, rising 54% from May last year to $249 million.
Values increased across all fifth quarter categories. The three largest were edible offal, up 52% to $55m; casings and tripe, up 26% to $46m; and prepared and preserved meat, up 66% to $38m.
