Overseas Merchandise Trade: March 2011

March 2011 quarter:

Values are seasonally adjusted and compared with the December 2010 quarter unless otherwise stated.

• Exports increased 3.2 percent to $11.6 billion.
• Milk powder, butter, and cheese recorded the largest increase in export values.
• The trend for exports has reached a new high. 
• Imports increased 8.9 percent to $12.0 billion.
• The trend for imports is still below its peak of September 2008.
• There was a trade deficit of $428 million (3.7 percent of exports).
  

March 2011 month: 

Values are actual and compared with the March 2010 month unless otherwise stated. 

• Exports were up $454 million (11 percent) to $4.5 billion.
• Milk powder, butter, and cheese exports recorded the largest increase.
• Imports were up $598 million (17 percent) to $4.1 billion.
• Aircraft and parts imports recorded the largest increase.
• There was a trade surplus of $464 million (10 percent of exports).