Imports Value Shows Little Change

Overseas Merchandise Trade (Imports): June 2002

25 July 2002

Imports Value Shows Little Change

The seasonally adjusted value of merchandise imports increased by 0.5 percent in the June 2002 quarter according to latest figures from Statistics New Zealand. This follows an increase of 1.4 percent for the March 2002 quarter.

The seasonally adjusted value of imported consumption goods increased by 2.9 percent in the June 2002 quarter, compared with the previous quarter. The value of capital transport equipment also increased, up 18.2 percent, due largely to the import of a Seasprite navy helicopter.

Intermediate goods increased by 1.4 percent while passenger motor cars decreased by 8.2 percent. The New Zealand dollar is 5.8 percent higher in the June 2002 quarter, according to the Trade Weighted Index. The appreciating New Zealand dollar has a downward influence on New Zealand prices of imports.

The provisional value of merchandise imports for the June 2002 month is $2,337 million. The early estimate for June 2002 merchandise exports is $2,630 million, giving a merchandise trade surplus of $293 million for the month. The surplus is 11.2 percent of merchandise exports, the largest for a June month since 1994. Detailed statistics and an updated exports total for June 2002 merchandise exports will be released on 5 August 2002.

Brian Pink
Government Statistician
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