The ministry’s latest economic update said export revenue is tracking 4.5% higher than last year.
Dairy exports are particularly strong.
Since the start of March they are up $512 million or 12% on the corresponding time last year.
Chinese meat imports surged in the second half of 2019.
And the animal protein shortage caused by the African swine fever outbreak should help support prices and demand over the next year.
Apple and kiwifruit exporters provided a strong start to the year with revenue up $274m or 18% on last year since the start of March.
Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said there is sustained demand for fresh fruit, particularly in Europe and North America, and strong demand for red meat in China.
The report also provides a snapshot of how covid-19 disrupted New Zealand’s primary industry exports – including logistics issues and more limited air freight options and demonstrates how the sector and MPI worked together to find ways to operate safely under the restrictions.
“We are by no means out of the woods and the next few years are going to be tough on some sectors as importers and consumers re-evaluate their priorities in the wake of covid-19,” he said.
“The strength of NZ’s primary sector coupled with the success of our health response to covid-19 gives us a head start on the world as we get our economy moving again.”
The Chinese market for rock lobster shows signs of recovery after being significantly affected by covid-19, bringing in almost $2b in export revenue, Fisheries Minister Stuart Nash said.
Forestry exports were among those most affected by covid-19. Export revenue fell 23% in February, 29% in March and 62% in April from the corresponding periods in 2019.
While much of the decline in February and March was caused by China’s lockdown, a portion of it was also caused by significantly lower prices than the previous year.
Forestry Minister Shane Jones said the decrease in outputs was in line with what was expected as forestry and wood processing were not considered an essential service.
“This has been an incredibly challenging time for the sector and there is still considerable volatility in the log export sector, which the Government is closely monitoring.
“However, I am confident forestry and wood processing figures will improve over the coming months and that this multi-billion-dollar sector will play a significant role in the economic recovery.”
