Global beef production's declining, creating competition for our key export markets

Despite South America's supply lessening by half a million tonnes, its export volumes remain the same.

Financial challenges domestically mean Brazilian exports are surging.

RaboResearch senior agricultural analyst Jen Corkran says this creates competition for New Zealand.

She says the value exporters can get from South American beef instead of selling locally, means exports from Brazil are still going to be very high.

The research says New Zealand's beef production is likely to decline around six-percent this year.