Business / Economy

Butter, logs and kiwifruit boost exports

09:03 am on 26 November 2016

The trade deficit has narrowed slightly, due in part to a rise in exports.

Photo: 123rf

Official figures showed the deficit stood at $846 million in October, compared with a $905m shortfall in the same period a year earlier.

Exports rose 2 percent to $3.9 billion, led by stronger sales of butter, logs and kiwifruit.

That offset a decline in beef and lamb to the key market of China.

Imports edged up 0.6 percent to $4.7bn, boosted in part by large aircraft.

On an annual basis, the deficit stood at 3.3bn.