New Zealand's food is still in high international demand despite the impact of Covid-19.
Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor said the figures show New Zealand has a head start in recovering from Covid-19. Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas
Trade data released this morning shows primary exports pulled in nearly $8.2 billion between the start of February and 22 April.
That is about $40 million less than over the same period last year, but compares with just $7.4b in 2018.
This year's exports include nearly $6.2b from the dairy and meat sectors, and $890m in fruit.
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Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor said the figures show New Zealand has a head start in recovering from Covid-19.
"These latest stats show the sector is in a strong position to help us reboot our economy. There is no shortage of demand," he said.
However, he noted a shortfall of 50,000 jobs in the primary sector that needed filling.
Exports of meat, dairy, seafood and forestry products have a bleaker outlook since March, having fallen 12 percent year-on-year, mainly due to a fall in forestry and seafood exports to China. Seafood export revenue from China is down 36 percent.