27 October 2006
Trade Deficit Eases in September
The trade balance for September 2006 was a deficit of $587 million (20.8 percent of exports), Statistics New Zealand
said today. This is the smallest deficit for a September month since 2002. The trend for the trade balance shows a
deficit that has been decreasing since August 2005 and is now back at a level last seen during the second half of 2004.
In September 2006, merchandise exports were valued at $2.8 billion, almost half a billion dollars higher than in
September 2005, and the highest ever for a September month. Imports were valued at $3.4 billion, also the highest ever
for a September month.
Seasonally adjusted values show that the September 2006 quarter is the fourth consecutive quarter in which exports have
increased and the eighth during which imports have increased.
Cathryn Ashley-Jones
Acting Government Statistician
ENDS