New Zealand’s food and fibre exports are forecast to hit NZD 56.9 billion by June 2025 and climb to a record NZD 58.3 billion the following year.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced that this showcased the strength and resilience of the sector.
“The hard work and innovation of our world-leading farmers, growers, fishers, foresters and processors are driving these exceptional results,” said McClay.
“Strong global demand and healthy prices in key markets are positioning our food and fibre exports for record growth.”
Dairy exports are forecast to grow by ten percent to NZD 25.5 billion in the year to the 30th of June 2025, driven by tight global supply and higher prices.
Meat and wool revenues are expected to rise slightly to NZD 11.4 billion as demand strengthens and global beef supplies tighten.
Horticulture has continued to surge, with export revenue projected to reach a record NZD 8 billion in the year to the 30th of June 2025, a 12 percent increase.
Kiwifruit exports are set to exceed NZD three billion for the first time, reflecting strong international demand for New Zealand’s premium produce.
Forestry export revenue is expected to rebound four percent to NZD 6 billion this year, recovering from domestic supply-side disruptions and slow global demand.
Renewed engagement and increased building activity in China are also set to drive higher demand for logs and processed wood products.
McClay said the primary sector was the backbone of our economy and would continue to play a key role in achieving the ambitious target of doubling exports by value in ten years.
“To drive this growth, the Government has moved swiftly to remove regulations hampering the sector’s success. Already, we’ve rolled out a comprehensive package of changes to reduce costs for farmers, drive productivity, slash red tape, streamline approvals, and secure trade deals that increase market access and boost returns.”
He added that global consumers are now more than ever demanding high-quality, safe, and sustainable food and fibre products, and New Zealand producers are well-placed to provide these.
The Government’s agricultural team, which includes Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay, Biosecurity, Food Safety, and Animal Welfare Minister Andrew Hoggard, Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson, and associate Agricultural Minister Nicola Grigg, has been working tirelessly to ensure the primary sector remained well supported and at the forefront of innovation.
These export forecasts were released in the latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) report by the MPI.
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