Statistics New Zealand reported that the value of New Zealand's meat exports in the second quarter of 2026 rose 36 percent year-on-year, reaching a record high of 3.9 billion New Zealand dollars. The surge was driven by shipments to the United States, New Zealand's largest red meat export market, with exports to the US jumping 60 percent from a year earlier to 1.36 billion New Zealand dollars. US beef import demand has continued to climb after the domestic cattle herd shrank to its lowest level in 75 years, pushing beef prices higher, with ground beef prices hitting an all-time high in May. In addition, the US livestock sector faces risks from the spread of the New World screwworm, a parasite that causes severe damage to livestock and began affecting animal movements in June. So far, around 20 confirmed infections have been found in cattle out of a total herd of about 86 million. While the number of cases remains limited, if the outbreak widens, the livestock industry in Texas could suffer losses exceeding 700 million US dollars per year. Tight US beef supply is also supporting global beef prices and boosting incomes for New Zealand farmers.