NZ exports to EU surge by $3b under free trade deal, says Government
New Zealand exports to the European Union have surged by $3 billion in two years under the New Zealand-European Union Free Trade Agreement.
Beef exports are up 46%($61 million) in August 2015 compared with August 2014, says Statistics New Zealand.
"With one month to go in the 2014/15 beef export season, beef exports are at a new high of $3 billion," says international statistics senior manager, Jason Attewell.
"So far this season, 404,000 tonnes of beef have been exported, and if we export at least 18,000 tonnes next month we'll surpass the peak 2003/04 season for quantity exported."
The US remains our top beef export destination this season, for both value and quantity.
Beef export values to the US have hit a record high of $1.6 billion (up 64%) for the season to date, with quantities up 21% compared with this time last year.
Beef export values to China continued to increase, up 88% for the season to date, to $394 million, with quantities up 52% compared with this time last year. "International shortages, rising production, and a falling New Zealand dollar have contributed to this record beef season." says Attewell.
OPINION: Farmers around the country are welcoming the proposed reform of local government.
A move to boost farmer uptake of low methane emitting sheep is underway.
Silver Fern Farms has tackled the ongoing war-induced shipping challenges to mideast markets by airlifting 90 tonnes of chilled New Zealand lamb and beef to the United Arab Emirates.
The primary sector is leading New Zealand's economic recovery, according to economist and researcher Cameron Bagrie.
Dairy industry leader Jim van der Poel didn't make much of the invitation he received to the recent New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards in Rotorua.
Farmers around the country are going public big time, demanding their local district, city and regional councils come up with amalgamation plans that meet the needs of rural communities and don't allow urban councils to dominate.