Meat and wool exports are forecast to drop 6 per cent to $11.4 billion, reflecting a fall in export prices.
Sheep meat prices in particular have been struggling over the last year due to a dip in consumer demand combined with higher global red meat production.
Lower production and demand for processed wood products resulted in a 7 per cent decrease in forestry export revenue to $5.9 billion.
MPI director-general Ray Smith said while there were temporary dips in some sectors, the outlook was positive, and there continued to be strong demand for New Zealand’s high-quality food and fibre.
“This dip of 5 per cent from the previous year’s record of $57.4 billion is driven by prices and revenue for many exports correcting in 2023/24, reflecting the cyclical nature of commodity markets with slower global growth, specifically in our key export market China,” Smith said.
“We are expecting sustained growth in overall food and fibre export revenue reaching a record of $66.6 billion in the year to 30 June 2028.”
Global trade was forecast to bounce back following economic and other shocks such as the pandemic with export orders already indicating improved conditions for trade in early 2024, Smith said.
“There are also early signs that China’s economy is strengthening, and a stronger USD is supporting New Zealand’s food and fibre sector export.”
It hadn’t been all bad this year - some parts of the sector have seen decent growth.
High export prices, robust demand, and tight global supply are driving a forecast 5 per cent increase in seafood export revenue, which was expected to increase 5 per cent to reach $2.2 billion in the year to June 30 2024.
Arable export revenue was set to rise by an impressive 12 per cent, reaching $310 million, thanks to favourable growing conditions and good harvests.
Honey export revenue was expected to grow by 11 per cent to $420 million, driven by higher export prices and volumes of monofloral mānuka honey.
- RNZ
