New Zealand’s annual exports have surpassed $80 billion for the first time, driven by higher dairy prices and stronger meat exports, according to figures from Stats NZ.
Total exports were valued at $80.7 billion in the year ended December 2025, up $9.9b, or 14%, compared with the year to December 2024.
“This is the first time that annual exports have reached $80 billion,” Stats NZ international accounts spokesperson Viki Ward says.
Milk powder, butter and cheese led the increase, rising $4.2b, or 21%, to $24.3b over the year. Milk powder was up $1.6b, while milk fats, including butter, increased by $1.4b.
“The increase in milk, cheese, and butter was primarily due to higher unit prices for these items,” Ward says.
Milk powder, butter and cheese accounted for 30% of total annual exports in the year ended December 2025.
Meat and edible offal recorded the second-largest increase, rising $1.8b to $10.4b over the year.
The largest increases in meat exports by destination were to the United States, up $379m, or 15%, and the United Kingdom, up $343m, or 69%.
“Meat contributed to the largest proportion of increases in exports to the United Kingdom,” Ward says.
Stats NZ says the figures highlight the continued importance of primary exports to New Zealand’s trade performance, with higher global prices playing a key role in lifting export values over the past year.
