China demand driving rise in NZ primary exports

WELLINGTON - New Zealand's primary sector exports are forecast to rise 1.4 percent over the year to the end of June, with China being the biggest market overall, according to a government report out on Tuesday. Total primary industry exports were forecast to hit NZ$37.5 billion ($26.25 billion) in June year, driven by strong growth in dairy exports, said the report from the Ministry for Primary Industries.

"Strong global prices for forestry and dairy products, combined with rising horticulture production volumes, more than offset falling beef and lamb exports due to lower stock numbers in our latest forecast," it said.

As well as being the biggest overall primary exports market, China was the biggest market for exports of dairy, meat and wool, forestry and seafood.