New Zealand Imports Jump 25.9% in May

Imports to New Zealand surged 25.9% year-on-year to NZD 8.8 billion in May 2026, following a downwardly revised 3.0% increase in the previous month.

Imports to New Zealand increased 3.4% year-on-year to NZD 6.7 billion in April 2026. Import growth was driven by higher purchases of mechanical machinery and equipment (10%), electrical machinery and equipment (22%), vehicles, parts, and accessories (16%), and precious metals, jewellery, and coins (76%). By source, imports rose from China (13%), South Korea (26%), and the EU (17%).

Imports to New Zealand increased 9.6% year-on-year to NZD 7.25 billion in March 2026. Import growth was driven by higher purchases of mechanical machinery and equipment (31%), followed by vehicles, parts, and accessories (28%); precious metals, jewellery, and coins (203%); and optical, medical, and measuring equipment (13%). By source, imports rose from China (19.8%), South Korea (53.9%), Australia (26.5%), Japan (24.9%), and the EU (16.9%), while declining from the U.S. (-12.7%) and Singapore (-45.0%). For the first quarter of the year, imports climbed 7.6% compared to the same period in 2025, reaching NZD 20.85 billion .