New Zealand’s primary sector exports rise by 8.5%

Exports from New Zealand’s agricultural sector are strong and expected to grow by 8.5% in 2018, to NZ$41.4 billion, marking the largest annual increase since 2014. Dairy exports are leading the way, but the country’s horticulture sector is also performing well, producing high-value products tailored to overseas markets, such as kiwifruit and apples as well as cherries, avocados and berries. There is a high level of investment supporting further growth.

The challenge for the country’s producers is to continue its high level of investment to support further growth and focus even more on high-value production and sustainable resource use, while managing the risks posed by pests and diseases and meeting ever changing consumer demands.