MPI Director of Sector Policy, Jarred Mair, says the latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) shows that, overall, exports have returned to growth this year – providing a clear signal of the strength of the country’s primary industries.

“New Zealand primary industry export revenue is estimated to reach over $36.7 billion in the year ending June 2016, supported by strong growth in horticulture and other primary sector exports and foods,” Mair says.

Recent years have provided challenges for a number of our sectors, and underlined the highly competitive and dynamic markets NZ trades in.

For some sectors a drop in the New Zealand dollar has softened the impact of lower US dollar prices. Meanwhile on-farm, production across the primary sector has been relatively stable as El Nino conditions did not result in widespread drought.

Mair says horticulture exports are expected to continue their run of impressive growth over the medium term.

Horticulture exports exceeded $5 billion for the first time in 2015/16. Kiwifruit exports hit record levels for the year to March 2016, and exports of wine, apples, and pears are increasing due to new plantings reaching maturity. As an example, apple and pear export revenue has doubled since 2012, estimated to reach almost $700 million for the year ending June 2016. Horticulture prices have also increased as New Zealand has maintained its position as a supplier of premium products.

“Strong growth is also being seen in exports of innovative processed foods, honey, live animal, and other products.

“The outlook for the primary sector is supported by industry’s significant investments in processing capacity across the country in a range of sectors. Free trade agreements will also help grow our exports, while population growth and economic development throughout Asia will support increased demand for New Zealand’s protein, horticulture, wood, and fibre products,” Mair says.