Overseas Merchandise Trade: June 2012

June 2012 quarter:

Values are seasonally adjusted and compared with the March 2012 quarter unless otherwise stated.

• Exports fell 1.6 percent to $11.3 billion.
• The decrease was led by a fall in the value of milk powder, butter, and cheese.
• The trend for exports has fallen in the latest three quarters.
• Imports fell 1.9 percent to $11.9 billion.
• The trend for imports is 2.6 percent lower than its peak, which was in the September 2008 quarter. 
• There was a trade deficit of $664 million (5.9 percent of exports).

June 2012 month:

Values are actual and compared with the June 2011 month unless otherwise stated.

• Exports rose $244 million (6.2 percent) to $4.2 billion.
• Milk powder, butter, and cheese recorded the largest increase, up $88 million.
• Imports rose $114 million (3.0 percent) to $3.9 billion.
• There was a trade surplus of $331 million (7.9 percent of exports).