Export Cargo Weight Up, Value Down
The weight of export cargo loaded at New Zealand ports rose by 2.6 percent, while the value of export cargo loaded fell
8.1 percent for the year ended June 2003 according to Statistics New Zealand. Over the same period, both the weight and
value of import cargo unloaded rose, up 4.6 percent and 0.8 percent, respectively. During this period, the New Zealand
dollar, as measured by the trade weighted index, appreciated 12.8 percent against the currencies of our major trading
partners, which had a downward influence on export and import prices.
Logs were the main contributor to the overall increase in the weight of export cargo loaded in the year ended June 2003.
Dairy products also contributed significantly, particularly whole milk powder. These increases were partly offset by
reduced shipments of crude oil from New Plymouth.
The port of Tauranga recorded not only the largest rise in the weight of export cargo loaded but also the largest fall
in the value of the cargo loaded. The export of logs, wood and wood articles was the main contributor to the rise in
weight, while the main contributor to the lower value of export cargo loaded was dairy products. Dairy products also
contributed to the 32.5 percent increase in the weight of export cargo loaded at Port Chalmers. Following Tauranga,
Whangarei recorded the second largest rise in the weight of export cargo loaded, due mainly to a rise in the weight of
export logs, wood, and wood articles loaded.
The largest rise in both the weight and value of cargo unloaded was recorded at Auckland seaport, with vehicles, parts
and accessories making the largest contribution. Crude oil, refined and partly refined petroleum contributed to the rise
in the import cargo unloaded at the ports of Whangarei and Wellington. Napier, Port Chalmers and Gisborne recorded the
only falls in the weight of import cargo unloaded.
Brian Pink
Government Statistician