New Zealand's trade deficit widened to NZD 1.97 billion in September 2026, up from NZD 1.41 billion in the same month a year earlier and surpassing estimates of a NZD 0.78 billion gap. Exports rose 12.3% year-on-year to NZD 6.47 billion, following a downwardly revised 12.4% increase in August. Meanwhile, imports grew 17.7% year-on-year to NZD 8.44 billion, following a downwardly revised 13.21% rise in August.