WELLINGTON: The value of total goods exported from New Zealand was $4.2 billion in July 2015, up $514 million (14 percent) compared with July 2014. Fruit exports led the rise, up 51 percent ($105 million) to $311 million.
Meat exports rose $99 million (24 percent) to $505 million in July 2015 when compared with the same month last year. Milk powder, butter, and cheese exports showed little change. Increases in cheese, dairy spreads, and milk protein concentrates offset the fall in milk powder exports (down $76 million).
“The small rise in dairy export values combined with the falling New Zealand dollar contributed to the rise in total exports value this month,” international statistics senior manager Jason Attewell said. “A weaker dollar means that exporters receive more New Zealand dollars for transactions in foreign currencies while imports cost more.”
Goods imports rose $221 million (4.8 percent) to $4.8 billion in July 2015 compared with July 2014. Consumption goods rose $176 million and capital goods rose $161 million. Intermediate goods fell $96 million, led by crude oil.