New Zealand's Annual Exports Reach $80 Billion

Total exports were valued at $80.7 billion in the year ended December 2025, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

"This is the first time that annual exports have reached $80 billion," international accounts spokesperson Viki Ward said.

The value of total exports in the year ended December 2025 increased by $9.9 billion (14 percent), compared with December 2024.

Milk powder, butter, and cheese led the rise in exports, up $4.2 billion (21 percent) to $24.3 billion in the year ended December 2025.

Milk powder, up $1.6 billion, and milk fats (including butter), up $1.4 billion, were the main contributors to the rise in milk powder, butter, and cheese in the year ended December 2025, compared with December 2024.

"The increase in milk, cheese, and butter was primarily due to higher unit prices for these items," Ward said.

"Milk powder, butter, and cheese made up 30 percent of annual exports in December 2025."

Meat and edible offal were the second largest value change, increased by $1.8 billion to $10.4 billion for the year ended December 2025.

The largest value increases for meat and edible offal exports by destination were the United States, up $379 million (15 percent), and the United Kingdom, up $343 million (69 percent) for the year ended December 2025.

"Meat contributed to the largest proportion of increases in exports to the United Kingdom," Ward said.