News

New Zealand Trade Deficit Shrinks
New Zealand’s trade deficit shrank to NZD 519 million in January 2026 from NZD 549 million in the same month a year earlier. Exports rose 2.6% to NZD 6.2 billion, due to meat and edible offal (38%), precious metals, jewellery, and coins (88%), ships, boats, and floating structures (390%), albumins, gelatin, glues, and enzymes (67%). Exports to China were down 7.0%, to Australia up 20%, to the European Union up 16% and to Japan up 11%. Imports rose 1.9% to NZD 6.7 billion, led by higher vehicles, parts and accessories, electrical machinery and equipment, precious metals, jewellery, and coins, iron and steel and articles. Imports from China increased 24%, from the EU 5.6%, the US fell 17% and South Korea rose 36%.
Published on 2026-02-19

New Zealand Trade Surplus Widens
New Zealand’s trade balance swung to a NZD 52 million surplus in December 2025 from a NZD 36 million surplus in the same month a year earlier. Exports rose 15.0% to NZD 7.7 billion, driven by milk powder, butter and cheese (up NZD 361m, +15%), meat and edible offal (up NZD 274m, +30%), precious metals (up NZD 223m, +172%) and aluminium (up 36%). Exports to Australia were up 26%, to the European Union up 31% and to Japan up 15%. Imports rose 15.0% to NZD 7.6 billion, led by higher electrical machinery and equipment, mechanical machinery and equipment, vehicles, parts and accessories, and petroleum and products. Imports from China increased 27%, from the EU 26%, the US fell 16% and South Korea rose 11%.
Published on 2026-01-28

New Zealand’s Trade Deficit Narrows in November
New Zealand’s trade deficit narrowed to NZD 163 million in November 2025 from NZD 450 million in the same month a year earlier. Exports rose 9.2% to NZD 7 billion, due to milk powder, butter (5.9%), Kiwifruit (29%), Apple (29%), Precious metal (106%). Exports to to Australia were up 31%, to the European Union up 51% and to Japan up 1.9%. Imports rose 4.4% to NZD 7.2 billion, led by higher petroleum and products, mechanical machinery and equipment, vehicles, part and accessories and aircraft and parts. Imports from China increased 1.7%, from the EU 17%, the US 36% and South Korea 20%.
Published on 2025-12-18

New Zealand’s Trade Deficit Narrows in October
New Zealand’s trade deficit narrowed to NZD 1.5 billion in October 2025 as export growth outpaced imports down from NZD 1.65 billion in the same month a year earlier. Exports rose 16% to NZD 6.5 billion, supported by milk powder, butter and cheese which increased 18% to NZD 2,096 million and by fruit which rose 45%. Exports to China were up 18%, to Australia up 14%, to the United States up 5.4%, to the European Union up 40% and to Japan up 7.5%. Imports rose 11% to NZD 8.0 billion, led by higher petroleum and products, fertilisers, mechanical machinery and electrical machinery. Imports from China increased 29%, from Australia 6.8%, while imports from the United States fell 15% and from South Korea fell 19%. For the year to October 2025 annual goods exports were NZD 79.4 billion, annual goods imports were NZD 81.6 billion and the annual trade deficit narrowed to NZD 2.3 billion from NZD 9.1 billion in the year ended October 2024.
Published on 2025-11-20

New Zealand Trade Deficit Narrows Sharply as Exports Surge in September
New Zealand’s trade deficit narrowed to NZD 1.4 billion in September 2025, down from NZD 2.2 billion in the same month a year earlier, as export growth far outpaced imports. Exports jumped 19% to NZD 5.8 billion, supported by strong overseas demand for milk powder, butter, and cheese (up 27%) and kiwifruit (up 36%). Among key trading partners, exports rose notably to China (24%), Australia (28%), the United States (10%), the European Union (15%), and Japan (23%). Meanwhile, imports increased at a slower pace of 1.6% to NZD 7.2 billion, driven mainly by a 35% rise in vehicle, parts, and accessories purchases. Imports were higher from China (16%), the EU (7.3%), and Australia (6.4%), but fell sharply from the US (-30%) and South Korea (-4.8%). For the year ending September 2025, the annual trade deficit narrowed to NZD 2.2 billion, a significant improvement from NZD 9.2 billion in the previous year, as export growth continued to outstrip imports.
Published on 2025-10-21

New Zealand Trade Deficit Narrows Sharply as Exports Surge in September
New Zealand’s trade deficit narrowed to NZD 1.4 billion in September 2025, down from NZD 2.2 billion in the same month a year earlier, as export growth far outpaced imports. Exports jumped 19% to NZD 5.8 billion, supported by strong overseas demand for milk powder, butter, and cheese (up 27%) and kiwifruit (up 36%). Among key trading partners, exports rose notably to China (24%), Australia (28%), the United States (10%), the European Union (15%), and Japan (23%). Meanwhile, imports increased at a slower pace of 1.6% to NZD 7.2 billion, driven mainly by a 35% rise in vehicle, parts, and accessories purchases. Imports were higher from China (16%), the EU (7.3%), and Australia (6.4%), but fell sharply from the US (-30%) and South Korea (-4.8%). Considering January-September 2025, the annual trade deficit narrowed to NZD 0.2 billion, a significant improvement from NZD 5.8 billion in the previous year, as export growth continued to outstrip imports.
Published on 2025-10-21

New Zealand Trade Deficit Narrows in August
New Zealand’s trade deficit shrank to NZD 1.2 billion in August 2025, from NZD 2.3 billion in the corresponding month of the previous year. Exports surged by 23% year-on-year to NZD 5.9 billion, on outbound shipment of fruit (57%), milk powder, butter, and cheese (32%), meat and edible offal (30%), and precious metals, jewelry, and coins (92%). On the other hand, import values declined slightly, falling 0.4% to NZD 7.1 billion, weighed down by lower purchases of petroleum and products (-10%), aircraft and parts (-34%), ships, boats, and floating structures (-92%), and food residues, wastes, and fodder (-16%). Export growth was broad-based, with shipments rising to China (+35%), Australia (+17%), the US (+14%), and the EU (+52%), while imports fell from the EU (-6%), the US (-1.3%), and South Korea (-32%).
Published on 2025-09-18

New Zealand Trade Deficit Narrows in August
New Zealand’s trade deficit shrank to NZD 1.2 billion in August 2025, from NZD 2.3 billion in the corresponding month of the previous year. Exports surged by 23% year-on-year to NZD 5.9 billion, on outbound shipment of fruit (57%), milk powder, butter, and cheese (32%), meat and edible offal (30%), and precious metals, jewelry, and coins (92%). On the other hand, import values declined slightly, falling 0.4% to NZD 7.1 billion, weighed down by lower purchases of petroleum and products (-10%), aircraft and parts (-34%), ships, boats, and floating structures (-92%), and food residues, wastes, and fodder (-16%). Export growth was broad-based, with shipments rising to China (+35%), Australia (+17%), the US (+14%), and the EU (+52%), while imports fell from the EU (-6%), the US (-1.3%), and South Korea (-32%).
Published on 2025-09-18

New Zealand’s Trade Deficit Narrows in July
New Zealand’s trade deficit narrowed to NZD 0.578 billion in July 2025, down from NZD 1.022 billion a year earlier. Exports climbed 10% year-on-year to NZD 6.7 billion, supported by higher shipments of milk powder, butter, and cheese (up 17%), meat and edible offal (18%), precious metals, jewellery, and coins (69%), and milk, cereal, flour, and starch preparations (27%). Imports rose 2.3% to NZD 7.3 billion, driven by mechanical machinery and equipment (18%), vehicles and parts (13%), aircraft and parts (246%), and electrical machinery (5.8%). Export growth was broad, with shipments to China (7.1%), Australia (4.7%), the EU (28%), Japan (23%), and the US (7.7%) all increasing. Imports also rose from major trading partners, including China (6.9%), the EU (22%), Australia (2.7%), the US (24%), and South Korea (33%). Overall, strong global demand boosted key exports, while higher imports reflected growing purchases of machinery, vehicles, and equipment.
Published on 2025-08-20

New Zealand’s Trade Deficit Narrows in July
New Zealand’s trade deficit narrowed to NZD 0.578 billion in July 2025, down from NZD 1.022 billion a year earlier. Exports climbed 10% year-on-year to NZD 6.7 billion, supported by higher shipments of milk powder, butter, and cheese (up 17%), meat and edible offal (18%), precious metals, jewellery, and coins (69%), and milk, cereal, flour, and starch preparations (27%). Imports rose 2.3% to NZD 7.3 billion, driven by mechanical machinery and equipment (18%), vehicles and parts (13%), aircraft and parts (246%), and electrical machinery (5.8%). Export growth was broad, with shipments to China (7.1%), Australia (4.7%), the EU (28%), Japan (23%), and the US (7.7%) all increasing. Imports also rose from major trading partners, including China (6.9%), the EU (22%), Australia (2.7%), the US (24%), and South Korea (33%). Overall, strong global demand boosted key exports, while higher imports reflected growing purchases of machinery, vehicles, and equipment.
Published on 2025-08-20

New Zealand Expects No Reprieve on U.S. Tariffs: PM Luxon
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon acknowledged Wellington is unlikely to secure a reduction in the newly imposed U.S. tariff on Kiwi goods. On August 1, the U.S. unexpectedly raised the tariff rate to 15%, up from the previously signaled 10%, and higher than rates applied to competitors like Australia and the UK. New Zealand responded by sending a senior trade official to Washington, with Trade Minister Todd McClay expected to follow. However, Luxon told Radio New Zealand today, “I don’t think it’s going to change our situation in a tariff sense, the President and the administration is pretty set on that.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining “ongoing dialogue with the Americans.” The U.S. ranked as New Zealand’s number two export destination, with shipments totaling NZD 9.3 billion over the past year.
Published on 2025-08-10

New Zealand Expects No Reprieve on U.S. Tariffs
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon acknowledged Wellington is unlikely to secure a reduction in the newly imposed U.S. tariff on Kiwi goods. On August 1, the U.S. unexpectedly raised the tariff rate to 15%, up from the previously signaled 10%, and higher than rates applied to competitors like Australia and the UK. New Zealand responded by sending a senior trade official to Washington, with Trade Minister Todd McClay expected to follow. However, Luxon told Radio New Zealand today, “I don’t think it’s going to change our situation in a tariff sense, the President and the administration is pretty set on that.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining “ongoing dialogue with the Americans.” The U.S. ranked as New Zealand’s number two export destination, with shipments totaling NZD 9.3 billion over the past year.
Published on 2025-08-10

New Zealand Trade Surplus Narrows in June
New Zealand posted a trade surplus of NZD 142 million in June 2025, narrowing sharply from NZD 585 million in the same month a year earlier. Exports rose 10% year-over-year to NZD 6.6 billion, fueled by strong demand for key commodities such as milk powder, butter, and cheese (22%), fruit (25%), wood products (25%), and crude oil (169%). However, imports climbed at a faster 19% pace to NZD 6.5 billion, led by a surge in petroleum and related products (101%), vehicles and parts (13%), and electrical machinery (14%). Export growth was broad-based, with shipments to China up 11%, Australia 16%, and the EU 38%. On the import side, purchases increased from China (9.1%), the EU (0.8%), Australia (6.8%), the US (21%), and South Korea (40%), indicating strong demand across major trade partners.
Published on 2025-07-21

New Zealand Trade Surplus Narrows in June
New Zealand posted a trade surplus of NZD 142 million in June 2025, narrowing sharply from NZD 585 million in the same month a year earlier. Exports rose 10% year-over-year to NZD 6.6 billion, fueled by strong demand for key commodities such as milk powder, butter, and cheese (22%), fruit (25%), wood products (25%), and crude oil (169%). However, imports climbed at a faster 19% pace to NZD 6.5 billion, led by a surge in petroleum and related products (101%), vehicles and parts (13%), and electrical machinery (14%). Export growth was broad-based, with shipments to China up 11%, Australia 16%, and the EU 38%. On the import side, purchases increased from China (9.1%), the EU (0.8%), Australia (6.8%), the US (21%), and South Korea (40%), indicating strong demand across major trade partners.
Published on 2025-07-21

New Zealand Logs Trade Surplus in May
New Zealand posted a trade surplus of NZD 1.235 billion in May 2025, a sharp improvement from the NZD 54 million surplus in the same month last year. Exports rose 9.7% from a year earlier to NZD7.7 billion, driven by strong demand for key commodities such as milk powder, butter, and cheese (+18%), fruit (+25%), meat and edible offal (+11%), and precious metals, jewelry, and coins (+69%). Imports rose at a slower pace, up 7.2% to NZD 6.4 billion, led by sharp increases in ships and boats (+443%), fertilizers (+179%), and electrical machinery (+5.0%). Export growth was broad-based, with shipments to China rising 13%, Australia 10%, and the European Union 41%. On the import side, only purchases from China increased (+3.7%), while imports declined from the US (-34%), Australia (-4.8%), the EU (-2.4%), and South Korea (-11%).
Published on 2025-06-24

New Zealand Logs Trade Surplus in May
New Zealand posted a trade surplus of NZD 1.235 billion in May 2025, a sharp improvement from the NZD 54 million surplus in the same month last year. Exports rose 9.7% from a year earlier to NZD7.7 billion, driven by strong demand for key commodities such as milk powder, butter, and cheese (+18%), fruit (+25%), meat and edible offal (+11%), and precious metals, jewelry, and coins (+69%). Imports rose at a slower pace, up 7.2% to NZD 6.4 billion, led by sharp increases in ships and boats (+443%), fertilizers (+179%), and electrical machinery (+5.0%). Export growth was broad-based, with shipments to China rising 13%, Australia 10%, and the European Union 41%. On the import side, only purchases from China increased (+3.7%), while imports declined from the US (-34%), Australia (-4.8%), the EU (-2.4%), and South Korea (-11%).
Published on 2025-06-24

New Zealand Logs Trade Surplus in May
New Zealand posted a trade surplus of $1.235 billion in May 2025, a sharp improvement from the NZD 54 million surplus in the same month last year. Exports rose 9.7% from a year earlier to $7.7 billion, driven by strong demand for key commodities such as milk powder, butter, and cheese (+18%), fruit (+25%), meat and edible offal (+11%), and precious metals, jewelry, and coins (+69%). Imports rose at a slower pace, up 7.2% to NZD 6.4 billion, led by sharp increases in ships and boats (+443%), fertilizers (+179%), and electrical machinery (+5.0%). Export growth was broad-based, with shipments to China rising 13%, Australia 10%, and the European Union 41%. On the import side, only purchases from China increased (+3.7%), while imports declined from the US (-34%), Australia (-4.8%), the EU (-2.4%), and South Korea (-11%).
Published on 2025-06-24

New Zealand Swings to Strong Trade Surplus in April
New Zealand recorded a trade surplus of $1.43 billion in April 2025, a significant turnaround from the $3 million deficit reported in the same month a year earlier. Exports surged 25% year-over-year to $7.8 billion, fueled by robust demand for major commodities including milk powder, butter, and cheese (+38%), meat and edible offal (+34%), fruit (+28%), and logs, wood, and wood products (+42%). Imports grew at a slower pace, rising 1.8% to $6.4 billion, with key increases seen in mechanical machinery and equipment (+22%), aircraft and parts (+328%), and inorganic chemicals (+55%). Export gains were widespread, with shipments to China climbing +30%, the United States +25%, the European Union +34%, Japan +12%, and Australia +4.9%. On the import front, notable increases were recorded from the United States (+66%), the EU (+9.6%), and China (+3.9%).
Published on 2025-05-20

New Zealand Trade Surplus Doubles in March
New Zealand posted a trade surplus of $970 million in March 2025, more than doubling the $476 million surplus recorded in the same month last year. Exports surged 19% year-over-year to $7.6 billion, fueled by strong demand for key commodities like: milk powder, butter, and cheese (+35%), meat and edible offal (+34%), fruit (+74%), and mechanical machinery and equipment (+50%). Imports grew at a slower pace, rising 12% to $6.6 billion. The increase was led by petroleum and related products (+18%), electrical machinery and equipment (+27%), mechanical machinery and equipment (+11%), and pharmaceutical products (+42%). Exports to major trading partners also saw notable gains, rising 23% to China, 22% to the US, 51% to the EU, and 11% to Japan, while exports to Australia slipped 0.5%. On the import side, New Zealand recorded increases from the US (48%), the EU (19%), China (14%), and Australia (5.2%), but a 12% decline in imports from South Korea.
Published on 2025-04-21

New Zealand's Trade Balance Shifts to Surplus in February
New Zealand’s trade balance swung to a surplus of $510 million in February 2025, reversing the $315 million deficit from the same month a year earlier. Goods exports surged 16% to $6.7 billion, driven by sharp increases in shipments of milk powder, butter, and cheese (27%); meat and edible offal (28%); preparations of milk, cereals, flour, and starch (61%); and fruit (122%). Imports rose more modestly by 2.1% to $6.2 million, with significant growth in mechanical machinery and equipment (21%); fertilizers (543%); aircraft and parts (112%); and iron and steel products (17%). Exports increased across key markets, rising 16% to China, 17% to Australia, 37% to the European Union, and 7.4% to Japan, while exports to the United States declined by 5.5%. Among top trade partners, imports rose by 3.8% from China and 41% from the United States, while falling 3.3% from the European Union, 9.3% from Australia, and 57% from South Korea.
Published on 2025-03-20