New Zealand’s ‘big win’ for exporters with chilled China meat deal
New Zealand’s Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy and Trade Minister Todd McClay signed the memorandum of understanding today (27 March) to export chilled beef and lamb to China on a six-month trial.
Government ministers called the deal a “big win” for meat producers.
“This is a fantastic step forward for New Zealand’s red meat sector, and a sign of the great relationship we share with China,” said Guy.
“Trade in chilled meat to China will initially involve 10 meat establishments agreed in conjunction with industry. I’m excited that New Zealand’s premium chilled cuts will be enjoyed in high-end restaurants and retailers in China very soon.”
Big deal for New Zealand
Trade Minister Todd McClay said the initial deal had the potential to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for New Zealand’s farmers, exporters and the economy.
Last week New Zealand launched a new export strategy, Trade Agenda 2030, to target ways to maximise economic value from existing trade agreements. The memorandum between New Zealand and China will help see two-way trade between the two countries generate NZ$30bn ($21bn) cumulatively by 2030.
China is New Zealand’s second-largest market for beef, behind the United States, and its top market for sheepmeat exports. New Zealand’s government estimates trade with China has increased five-fold since 2011.
“With great air links to China, exporters have the opportunity to fill returning planes with chilled meat as demand grows,” added Guy.
A deal that will see China export retail-ready unpeeled onions has also been signed between the two parties. A pact on strengthening cooperation in the fishing industry was also signed, in addition to the launch of a list of projects under the Agricultural Growth Partnership – a deal signed in 2016 by the two countries.
