New Zealand To End Livestock Exports By Sea

New Zealand will cease the export of livestock by sea following a transition period of up to two years. Agriculture minister Damien O’Connor made the announcement late last week.

He added that the decision will affect some farmers, exporters and importers, and a transition period will enable the sector to adapt. Since the start of 2020, Kiwi exporters have sent 118,000 cattle overseas, all to China. New Zealand government informed the Chinese embassy a fortnight ago warning of the move. Live exports by sea represent approximately 0.2% of New Zealand’s primary sector exports revenue since 2015. New Zealand has exported just one voyage of sheep in the past 13 years. O’Connor said officials had spoken to key trading partners about the decision. Unlike Australia, New Zealand does not export live exports for slaughter, only for breeding.