Covid-19 headwinds have failed to take the puff out of red meat exports.
The Meat Industry Association says the red meat industry is continuing to deliver strong export results. Exports reached $940 million during January, a 27% increase by value from the same month a year ago.
China was up 25% to $398m, the United States up 32% to $195 million, the United Kingdom up 9% to $41 million and Japan up 76% to $40 million.
Chief executive Sirma Karapeeva said the January result reflected ‘‘exceptional" efforts by the industry to overcome the many processing and exporting challenges.
"However, the pressures are ongoing. There is currently no end in sight to shipping delays and the Covid-19 outbreak is exacerbating existing staff shortages, further limiting the number of livestock that plants can process and impacting some of the industry’s value-add product offerings."
Beef exports were a standout performer, with volumes up seven percent to 42,291 tonnes, and value up 51% to $422 million. The three main beef markets were China at $186 million, United States at $129 million, and Japan at $24 million.
The average freight on board value for overall beef exports during January was up to a record $9.98 a kilogram.
Ms Karapeeva said the welcome high prices, however, masked some of the pressure the industry was under.
January data revealed a large drop in the volume of chilled exports. The total 3061 tonnes of chilled meat was 41% lower than last January, and the drop in chilled sheepmeat to the UK was the lowest in 20 years with less red meat volumes going to major European markets.
Meat companies are sending more frozen product because of the supply chain risks, including much longer transit times.
While sheepmeat volumes overall dropped by 14%, to just under 31,500t, strong prices saw value increase by 12% to nearly $370 million.
