In 2023, New Zealand saw an increase in red meat exports by volume, with sheepmeat exports rising by 3% and beef by 7%. Despite this, the combined returns from these exports fell by 11% to $10.2 billion, compared to 2022. The most significant decrease in returns was from China, where they dropped 16% to $3.6 billion, while returns from the US increased by 8% to $2.5 billion due to stronger demand for beef.
New Zealand exported 384,239 tonnes of sheepmeat, valued at $3.7 billion (a 14% decrease in value), and 511,680 tonnes of beef, valued at $4.4 billion (a 9% decrease in value). Significant decreases in red meat exports were observed in Japan (down 31% to $388 million), the United Kingdom (down 22% to $361 million), and the Netherlands (down 4% to $347 million). China purchased 216,079 tonnes of NZ sheepmeat, which was 10% higher in volume but 10% lower in value at $1.4 billion. The United States, as the third-largest sheepmeat market for NZ by volume, bought 27,567 tonnes, down 5% in volume and 8% in value at $544 million.
Beef exports to the US recovered, growing 46% in volume to 181,040 tonnes and 28% in value to $1.6 billion. Canadian markets saw a 77% increase in volume to 18,110 tonnes and a 52% increase in value at $155 million. China remained the largest market for NZ beef by volume (203,509 tonnes, down 6%), but the value dropped by 26% to $1.56 billion. The NZ-UK beef free trade agreement resulted in 2421 tonnes worth $27 million in exports, predominantly high-value chilled beef. Fifth quarter exports were valued at $2 billion, an 8% decrease from 2022, with casings and tripe being the largest category at $383 million, a 13% decrease. China was the largest market for these exports at $281 million, followed by Italy at $18 million and Korea at $14 million.