Overseas Cargo Values Rise

Overseas Cargo Statistics: Twelve months ended June 2001

The dollar values of overseas cargo loaded and unloaded increased in the year ended June 2001 compared with the previous year, latest Statistics New Zealand figures show. However, while the weight of import cargo unloaded rose, the weight loaded for export fell 1.6 per cent.

Influencing the increases in value were the lower New Zealand dollar, rising oil prices, and an increase in agricultural products for export.

The weight of export cargo loaded at New Zealand ports was 21.8 million tonnes in the year ended June 2001, down 349 thousand tonnes (1.6 per cent), compared with the previous June year. The commodity that showed the largest fall in volume was iron ore which is loaded at Taharoa. Most other seaports recorded an increase in the weight of overseas cargo loaded compared with the year ended June 2000.

Christchurch seaport (Lyttelton) recorded the greatest export volume increase, up 132 thousand tonnes to 2.5 million tonnes. Coal exports were the main contributor to the increase.

The dollar value of cargo loaded for export at New Zealand ports increased 24.1 per cent to $32,753 million for the year ended June 2001. During this period, dairy products and meat showed the most significant increase in value loaded.

The volume of import cargo unloaded at New Zealand ports for the year ended June 2001 increased by 578 thousand tonnes (4.3 per cent) compared with the year ended June 2000. The annual volume figures for cargo unloaded have shown a steady increase since the year ended June 1997.

The port of Whangarei recorded the largest increase in weight unloaded, up 452 thousand tonnes (9.8 per cent) compared with the previous June year. Petroleum and products and calcium phosphates were the main contributors to the increase.

The seaports of Tauranga and Napier also showed significant increases in weight unloaded. At Tauranga, the main commodities to increase in volume unloaded were petroleum and products, and cereals. Calcium phosphate was the commodity that showed the largest increase in weight unloaded at Napier.

Brian Pink
Government Statistician
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