Total Exports Reach $8.6 Billion In April 2026

New Zealand's total exports were valued at $8.6 billion in April 2026, an increase of $943 million (12 percent) compared with the same period last year, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

Meat (up $272 million), gold (up $155 million), milk powder, butter, and cheese (up $148 million), and crude oil (up $120 million) recorded the largest increases in export values.

Together, these four commodity groups made up 74 percent of the total increase in the value of exports in April 2026.

Beef exports to the US up 54 percent

Total meat exports were valued at $1.3 billion in April 2026, an increase of $272 million (26 percent) compared with April 2025.

The rise in meat exports was driven by an increase in beef, up $178 million (39 percent) to $638 million, and sheep meat, up $83 million (16 percent) to $587 million.

The United States (US) was the leading destination for beef in April 2026, up $121 million (54 percent) to $344 million. The US has experienced a combination of herd shortages and tariffs placed on beef imports this year.

The increase in the value of sheep meat exports was driven by higher prices. Both New Zealand and Australia, which together produce most of the world's sheep meat, are currently experiencing a decline in sheep numbers. This has contributed to supply pressures.

The European Union (EU) was the leading destination for New Zealand sheep meat in April 2026, up $8.7 million (5.3 percent) to $173 million, compared with the same period last year.

"The US is our largest beef export market, while the EU is our largest market for sheep meat," international accounts spokesperson Viki Ward said.

Also contributing to the rise in the value of total exports in April 2026 compared with April 2025 were:

• Gold - up $155 million (145 percent) to $262 million.
  Unlike seasonal goods, gold prices are more sensitive to changes in economic conditions. Australia accounted for almost 90 percent of New Zealand's gold exports.
• Milk powder, butter, and cheese - up $148 million (7.0 percent) to $2.3 billion.
  Milk powder, our top dairy export, accounted for most of the increase, up $141 million (14 percent) to $1.1 billion.
• Crude oil - up $120 million (388 percent) to $151 million.
  Exports of crude oil fluctuate month to month based on individual large shipments.