Higher international prices and strong US demand for beef have boosted New Zealand's monthly exports to $8.6 billion.
Figures released by Stats NZ on Thursday showed total exports rose by $943 million in April 2026, a 12% increase compared with the same month last year.
The growth was largely driven by meat, gold, crude oil, and dairy products like milk powder, butter, and cheese. Together, these four commodity groups accounted for 74% of the total export value increase.
Meat exports led the rise, increasing by $272m to reach $1.3b for the month. This 26% jump from April 2025 was fuelled by a $178m increase in beef exports, and an $83m increase in sheep meat.
The US remained New Zealand's top beef market, taking $344m worth of beef in April — a 54% increase. This surge comes as the US grapples with herd shortages and new import tariffs.
