Overseas Merchandise Trade (Imports): December 2004
31 January 2005 Imports Maintain High Level
The seasonally adjusted quarterly value of imports is maintaining a high level, following large increases in the first
half of 2004, according to Statistics New Zealand. The trend value of imports, which was rising, has eased since the
June 2004 quarter. The value of intermediate goods rose 6.1 percent in the December 2004 quarter. Crude oil, partly
refined petroleum and diesel were the main contributors to this rise. Aluminium oxide and fertilisers also recorded a
rise during the quarter.
The value of imported consumption goods has risen for five of the last six quarters. Food and beverages for household
consumption and semi-durable consumption goods were the main contributors to the rise of consumption goods in the latest
quarter. A fall in the value of imported machinery and plant partly offset these rises.
The value of this item has fallen for the past two quarters. The provisional value of merchandise imports for the
December 2004 month is $3,048 million, up $241 million compared with December 2003. The estimated value of merchandise
exports for December 2004 is $2,555 million, resulting in an estimated trade deficit of $493 million.
The trend of the monthly trade balance shows a widening deficit, because the imports trend is rising while the exports
trend has eased.
Brian Pink
Government Statistician
ENDS