April Imports Rise

Overseas Merchandise Trade (Imports): April 2002

The provisional value of merchandise imports for April 2002 is $2,771 million, according to latest figures released by Statistics New Zealand. The imports trend continues to indicate growth.

There were no imports of large items exceeding $100 million in value (such as large aircraft and ships) during April 2002. However, a Seasprite helicopter with a value of more than $50 million was imported during the month. A number of heavy vehicles and several large items of mechanical machinery also contributed to the increase in imports.

The early estimate for April 2002 merchandise exports is $2,790 million, giving a merchandise trade surplus of $19 million for the month. The April 2002 surplus is $330 million less than in April 2001 when milk powder, butter and cheese; meat and edible offal; and casein and caseinates accounted for a significant increase in exports. Detailed statistics for April 2002 merchandise exports will be released on 6 June 2002.

For the year ended April 2002, the provisional value of merchandise imports is $32,160 million, an increase of 2.0 percent from the previous April year. Excluding items individually valued at $100 million or more (such as large aircraft and ships), the annual increase in merchandise imports was 3.1 percent.

Brian Pink
Government Statistician
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