In a statement, Meat Industry Association chief executive Sirma Karapeeva said the latest figures reflected a continued recovery in global demand.
The United States was the largest export market, increasing 32% to $339 million while China was up 5% to $278m.
Exports to the European Union was the highest volume since 2019 and it was the first time monthly sheep meat exports there had exceeded $150m since 2009.
There was also further recovery in sheep meat exports to China while beef exports to both Canada and the US increased.
For the first time, beef exports to the US exceeded $250m in a single month.
Westpac industry economist Paul Clark said meat prices were expected to continue to rise, underpinned by a supportive New Zealand dollar.
That was particularly true for beef which continued to be bolstered by a shortfall in US meat production.
Lamb prices were set to rise further, mainly because of stronger demand out of the EU and US. But gains might be constrained by extra supply coming out of Australia and the United Kingdom over the coming months.
Lamb production in the UK was expected to rise, with some suggesting it would lead to a 13% reduction in imports.
Australia, the world’s largest exporter of sheep meat, was also expected to lift production, specifically targeting markets in the Middle East and the US, Mr Clark said.
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