Red meat exports slump, thanks to China
Weaker pricing and demand from China continue to impact New Zealand red meat export earnings.
Fruit exporters helped boost wholesale trade sales in the June 2016 quarter, Statistics NZ says.
"Kiwifruit export values were at an all-time high in the months of May and June," business indicators senior manager Neil Kelly says. "It was also a good quarter for apple exporters."
When adjusted for seasonal effects, total wholesale trade sales rose 1.7% ($397 million) after small falls in the previous two quarters.
The largest industry increase was in grocery, liquor and tobacco wholesaling, which was up 2% ($152 million). Fruit exporters come under this category. The trend for this industry has been increasing steadily since mid-2013.
The trend for wholesale trade sales has generally been rising since the September 2009 quarter.
The actual value of wholesale trade sales was $23.6 billion in the June 2016 quarter, up $914 million (4%) from the June 2015 quarter.
Farmer-led charity, Meat the Need is calling for donations to enable it to supply more meals to families in need.
Weaker pricing and demand from China continue to impact New Zealand red meat export earnings.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.