NZ Forestry export revenue NZ$6.3 billion by June

Friday 19 Dec 2025

 
Kiwi farmers, growers, and primary producers are driving New Zealand’s economy with food and fibre exports set to reach a record NZ$62 billion next year, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has announced.

The forecast is for the year to 30 June 2026, and is in the latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) report, released this week.

“The projection builds on this year’s record-setting $60.4 billion - from meat and wool to kiwifruit and cherries, our producers are remarkable. The world wants New Zealand’s high-quality, sustainable, safe food and fibre,” Mr McClay says.

Exports are forecast to rise 3 per cent from the previous year, and an impressive 16 per cent higher than two years before. Exports are expected to climb to more than $63 billion in the year to 30 June 2027. The sector is well positioned to capitalise on robust demand and strong prices, supported by good growing conditions and higher production in most areas.

"It's an outstanding result, especially considering a tough year with challenging global conditions and extreme weather impacting producers,” Mr McClay says. “The Government is backing the sector’s success, and the growth reflects a lot of on-the-ground hard work.

“The food and fibre sectors now account for 83 per cent of all New Zealand goods exports.”

Key forecasts for the year ending 30 June 2026 include:
  • Meat and wool export revenue lifting 7 per cent to $13.2 billion
  • Horticulture export revenue lifting 5 per cent to $9.2 billion
  • Forestry export revenue lifting 2 per cent to $6.3 billion
  • Dairy export revenue lifting 1 per cent to $27.4 billion
“We’re cutting red tape through significant reforms, building trade, driving higher producer returns, delivering tools and technology to tackle agricultural emissions, and investing in the health of rural New Zealand,” Mr McClay says. “We’re also taking steps to boost productive and sustainable growth through more flexible land use."

Forestry summary

New Zealand forestry export revenue is forecast to rise 2 percent to $6.3 billion in the year to 30 June 2026. This follows a 7 percent rise in the year to 30 June 2025 when revenue rebounded from supply disruptions and weak global demand over the previous two years.

Growth is expected to slow in 2026 due to subdued construction activity overseas and ongoing trade uncertainty. Demand over the medium and long term will depend on economic growth in key trading partners and initiatives such as the industry-led Export Growth Accelerator, which aims to expand value-added wood products. Mill closures driven by high operating costs remain a concern, while some industry consolidation continues

The December 2025 SOPI is available at: www.mpi.govt.nz/sopi 

Source & image credit: NZ Government


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