25 August 2005

Greens call for action on sick trade deficit

The Green Party says the Government should stop sitting on its hands and actively intervene to reduce New Zealand's all-time record trade deficit before it tips the current account deficit into crisis.

Statistics New Zealand today released July trade figures which show imports have risen and exports have fallen in the past month, leading to an all-time record July year trade deficit of $5.4 billion

"New Zealand cannot continue to import billions of dollars more goods than it exports without dire consequences," Green Co-Leader Rod Donald says.

"The continued deterioration of New Zealand's international trading position reinforces the need for the Government to adopt Green policies, including a strong Buy Kiwi Made Campaign and a concerted effort to reduce the value of the dollar."

ENDS

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