New Zealand’s exports rose 7.3% year-on-year to a record high of NZD 7.94 billion in March 2026. Export growth was boosted by higher sales of precious metals, jewellery, and coins (166%); fruits (24%); milk powder, butter, and cheese (3.4%); and preparations of milk, cereals, flour, and starch (21%). Among trading partners, exports increased to China (11.1%), Australia (37.5%), Japan (4.1%), South Korea (3.4%), and the EU (14%). By contrast, exports declined to the U.S. (-5.9%), due to the imposition of new U.S. tariffs, as well as to Singapore (-6.4%) and Indonesia (-3.1%). For the first quarter of the year, outbound shipments grew 2.5% from the same period of 2025 to NZD 20.57 billion.