Higher forestry exports have boosted New Zealand's trade balance.
Official figures show exports exceeded imports by $358 million in May.
Exports rose 5 percent to $4.6 billion, led by logs, kiwifruit and apples, which offset a fall in dairy products due to lower prices.
Imports also rose 5 percent to $4.2bn, due to a rise in clothing, drugs, whiteware and furniture.
On an annual basis, the deficit narrowed slightly to $3.6bn.