New Zealand Exports Hit Record Peak

New Zealand’s exports grew 12% year-on-year to a record high of NZD 8.6 billion in April 2026. Export growth was driven by higher sales of precious metals, jewellery, and coins (149%); meat and edible offal (26%); milk powder, butter, and cheese (7.0%); and crude oil (388%).

New Zealand’s exports rose 7.3% year-on-year to a record high of NZD 7.94 billion in March 2026. Export growth was boosted by higher sales of precious metals, jewellery, and coins (166%); fruits (24%); milk powder, butter, and cheese (3.4%); and preparations of milk, cereals, flour, and starch (21%). Among trading partners, exports increased to China, New Zealand’s top trading partner, rising 11.1%, with the largest gains coming from milk powder, butter, and cheese, up NZD 107 million. Exports also grew to Australia (37.5%), Japan (4.1%), South Korea (3.4%), and the EU (14%). By contrast, exports declined to the U.S. (-5.9%) due to the imposition of new U.S. tariffs, as well as to Singapore (-6.4%) and Indonesia (-3.1%). For the first quarter of the year, outbound shipments grew 2.5% from the same period of 2025 to NZD 20.57 billion.

New Zealand’s exports surged 19% year-over-year to NZD 5.8 billion in September 2025, supported by strong overseas demand for milk powder, butter, and cheese (up 27%) and kiwifruit (up 36%). Among major trading partners, exports to China rose 24%, driven by milk powder, butter, and cheese; milk preparations, cereals, flour, and starch; and casein and caseinates. Exports to Australia increased 28%, led by precious metals, jewelry, and coins; crude oil; and dairy products. Shipments to the United States were up 10%, reflecting higher sales of animal or vegetable fats and oils, fruit, and pharmaceutical products. Exports to the European Union climbed 15%, boosted by aluminum and aluminum articles, fruit, and meat and edible offal, while Japan imported 23% more, largely in fruit, dairy products, and meat and edible offal.