7. MARTIN GALLAGHER (Labour—Hamilton West) Link to this
to the Minister of Trade
Has he received any reports on New Zealand’s overseas trade performance?
Hon PHIL GOFF (Minister of Trade) Link to this
Yes. Last week Statistics New Zealand released the most recent figures for New Zealand’s merchandise trade. The January figures saw our exports reach the highest-ever level for January. Merchandise exports reached $3.1 billion, 24 percent or nearly $600 million up on the equivalent figures for January 2007.
Yes, I have seen this report from the BNZ Economy Watch entitled “Trade Picture Developing Nicely”, dated 29 February. The report states that “The broad themes in recent merchandise trade releases have been of solid export performance, easing import demand, and—as a result—steady improvements in the trade balance.” The report goes on to say that “January’s figures, out this morning, proved no different, with the annual deficit improving for the sixth consecutive month”.