Stats NZ disclosed a $1.4 billion merchandise trade surplus for April, contrasting with a $12 million deficit the previous year. This marks only the fifth occasion New Zealand has surpassed a billion-dollar trade balance, with notable overlaps in dairy and fruit seasonal outputs.
Viki Ward of Stats NZ highlighted the "Four monthly surpluses over $1 billion," with two occurring in 2020 and two in April. Fruit exports rose from $265 million to $1.2 billion.
Karen Morrish, New Zealand Apple & Pears chief executive, noted the role of favorable weather and early harvests. She noted, "It's very much the sentiment out there at the moment that the 2025 growing season is one of the best years on record. So we were able to start harvest early, the fruit was in excellent condition, and the size was good."
Regarding potential tariff impacts, both Ross and Morrish cited uncertainty. The US exemptions for New Zealand timber could shift, and Morrish indicated, "times were 'certainly turbulent' but there was still strong demand for NZ products, particularly in traditional markets."
New Zealand exporters navigate diverse markets, adapting to various challenges including tariffs and shipping. Morrish expressed confidence in the industry's agility, stating, "If it isn't tariffs, it's shipping. If it isn't shipping, it's something else."
Source: RNZ