New Zealand Imports Surge 28% in June

Imports to New Zealand surged 28% year-on-year to NZD 8.1 billion in June 2026, following a 25.9% rise in the previous month. The surge in import growth was mainly driven by higher purchases of petroleum and petroleum products (up 100%), mechanical machinery and equipment (23%), vehicles, parts, and accessories (12%), and electrical machinery and equipment (36%).

Imports to New Zealand surged 25.9% year-on-year to over a four-year high of NZD 8.1 billion in May 2026, following a downwardly revised 3.0% increase in the previous month. The surge in import growth was mainly driven by higher purchases of petroleum and petroleum products (up 104%), mechanical machinery and equipment (13.0%), vehicles, parts, and accessories (36.6%), electrical machinery and equipment (18.5%), and optical, medical, and measuring equipment (10.8%). Meanwhile, purchases declined in food residues, wastes, and fodder (-6.8%) and essential oils, perfumes, and toiletries (-5.3%). By source, imports from China, Australia, the US, South Korea, and the EU rose by 18.9%, 20.0%, 17.9%, 78.7%, and 15.0%, respectively. Conversely, imports declined from Malaysia (-24.6%), Indonesia (-34.8%), and India (-20.9%).

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%).