New Zealand export outlook 2026: Top exports of 2025 and what’s next

New Zealand’s export sector continued to anchor the nation’s economy in 2025, supported by strong global appetite for premium food and fiber. According to Stats NZ (New Zealand’s official government statistics agency), total exports rose 14.1% year-on-year to NZ$79.9 billion as of November 2025 — the strongest annual growth in a decade. Exports remained resilient despite inflationary pressures, supply chain challenges, and shifting trade policies.

In this guide, we break down New Zealand’s top export categories in 2025, explore what’s next for 2026, and provide practical advice for exporters.

New Zealand export outlook 2026 (what’s changing and why it matters)

In 2025, merchandise exports showed consistent growth across primary industries. Dairy, meat, and horticulture continued to lead, with total export values climbing over the year to March 2025 despite currency fluctuations and cost pressures.

Looking ahead to 2026, several trends will shape New Zealand’s trade landscape:

• Sustainability and traceability: Importing markets are demanding proof of origin, carbon reporting, and ethical sourcing.
• Premium provenance: New Zealand’s ’Clean, green’ branding remains powerful, especially for food and beverage exports. According to Radio New Zealand, university-commissioned research by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) found that the country’s ‘clean, green’ brand can boost the export value of food and fiber products by up to 59%.
• Consumer behavior shifts: Inflation and changing preferences may affect demand for premium categories like wine.
• Regulatory evolution: Markets such as the EU and China are tightening compliance on packaging waste, labeling, and sustainability reporting.

What to watch in 2026: Exporters should anticipate continued demand for health-oriented and ethically produced goods, evolving import rules, and pricing competitiveness linked to currency movements.

Top New Zealand exports in 2025

New Zealand’s export mix continues to be dominated by primary industries. According to MFAT data, the country’s top five export categories in 2025 were:

• Dairy produce and animal products
• Meat and edible meat offal
• Fruits
• Wood and articles of wood
• Preparations of milk, cereals, flour, and starch

1. Dairy produce and animal products

New Zealand’s dairy sector remains its largest export earner, accounting for roughly 30% of total exports in 2025. Dairy export revenue grew 23.1% year-on-year to NZ$23.9 billion, supported by resilient demand across major markets.

According to the Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand, over 95% of New Zealand’s dairy production is exported, making the sector vital for national income. Tight global supply and a strong reputation for quality and food safety have reinforced its dominance.

2026 outlook:
SOPI forecasts continued dairy export growth, with tariff reductions and growing demand for traceable, sustainable dairy products.

What exporters should know

• Comply with destination-specific dairy safety and documentation rules
• Use temperature-controlled shipping to preserve product quality
• Plan ahead for traceability documentation and customs checks

2. Meat and edible meat offal

Meat is New Zealand’s second-largest export category, accounting for 12.7% of total exports in 2025, with export value rising 19.7% to NZ$10.1 billion.

The country remains a major exporter of lamb and mutton, with strong relationships across Europe, North America, and China.

2026 outlook:
Demand for grass-fed, high-welfare meat remains stable, but exporters must monitor regulatory developments on animal traceability and sustainability reporting.

What exporters should know

• Maintain strict cold chain management for fresh and chilled shipments
• Verify veterinary and health certification requirements early
• Build flexibility into logistics for peak-season freight congestion

3. Wood and articles of wood

Forestry remains one of New Zealand’s main exports, accounting for about 6.4% of total export value in 2025. Processed wood products such as sawn timber and fiberboard recorded stronger growth than raw log exports in 2025, as demand for unprocessed logs from China eased amid a weaker construction sector.

Value-added processed wood products are increasingly favored due to their lower environmental impact.

2026 outlook:
Sustainability certification and carbon accounting will play a decisive role in export competitiveness. Buyers in Europe increasingly require certified sustainable timber.

What exporters should know

• Ensure phytosanitary certification is up-to-date
• Emphasize sustainability labels in documentation
• Diversify export markets beyond construction-dependent economies

4. Fruits

Horticulture was one of New Zealand’s brightest export performers in 2025, rising 28.3% year-on-year to NZ$6.1 billion and accounting for 7.6% of New Zealand’s total exports.

According to the Ministry for Primary Industries, kiwifruit alone contributed more than half of horticulture export earnings, with record crops and expansion of gold varieties boosting supply.

Growing global interest in health, nutrition, and natural produce continues to strengthen demand.

2026 outlook:
Premium, wellness-linked produce will remain in high demand, particularly in Asia. Exporters should focus on freshness, packaging innovation, and compliance with phytosanitary rules.

What exporters should know

• Follow country-specific phytosanitary protocols
• Schedule shipping within freshness windows
• Use DHL Express’ time-definite options to minimize spoilage

5. Processed food products

New Zealand’s processed food exports, particularly dairy-based preparations like infant formula, cereals, and nutritional powders, remained a strong contributor to the country’s primary-sector earnings in 2025. According to Stats NZ, exports in this category rose 12.6% year-on-year to NZ$2.9 billion, reflecting continued consumer demand for convenient, protein-rich products derived from New Zealand milk and grains.

Strong performance in this segment was underpinned by ongoing global trust in New Zealand’s food safety and quality standards.

2026 outlook:
Export growth is expected to remain steady as demand for fortified and value-added foods rises. However, producers may face cost pressures from ingredient price fluctuations and packaging-waste regulations in destination markets. Companies can differentiate by emphasizing traceability, low-carbon production, and nutritional innovation.

What exporters should know

• Use moisture-resistant, tamper-evident packaging for powdered and processed foods
• Ensure full product labeling compliance for destination markets
• Include ingredient lists and nutritional information in customs documentation to avoid delays

How to avoid common export mistakes

Even experienced exporters can lose time and revenue to documentation errors or compliance gaps. The most frequent pitfalls include:

• Incorrect HS code classification
• Missing export permits or certifications
• Inaccurate commercial invoice descriptions or values
• Packaging unsuited for long-distance or perishable goods

Always check DHL Express’ restricted goods list before shipping — restrictions vary by destination and product type.

Documentation do’s and don’ts:

• Always include invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin
• Avoid vague product descriptions to prevent clearance delays
• Double-check import permits before scheduling shipments

Expand confidently into global markets with DHL Express

As exporters navigate increasingly complex global trade conditions, having the right logistics partner is one of the biggest advantages you can have. DHL Express helps New Zealand businesses expand into new markets with confidence through world-class international shipping expertise and hands-on support at every step.

Key advantages include:

• Express delivery options for time-sensitive goods
• Customs clearance expertise and documentation guidance
• MyDHL+ for shipment creation, labeling, and tracking
• End-to-end visibility with proactive tracking alerts
• Business account support for negotiated rates
• Duty Taxes Paid services for smoother delivery
• Guidance on packing, sustainability, and trade documentation

By combining global reach with local expertise, DHL Express enables exporters to focus on what matters most — growing their business and building lasting customer relationships overseas.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your export journey, open a business account with DHL Express today and access tailored support for international growth.