Kiwifruit exports reach record levels

Overall, goods exports rose $109 million (2.6%) in June 2016 (to $4.3 billion).

The June 2016 rise was across all our top kiwifruit export destinations, but particularly Japan (up $55 million) and China (up $39 million). The quantities of kiwifruit exported also rose (up 32%), with gold kiwifruit up 49%, and green kiwifruit up 21%.

"Export values of kiwifruit for the months of May and June 2016 are the two highest on record," international statistics senior manager Jason Attewell says. "Annual kiwifruit exports for the June 2016 year also set a new record – $1.7 billion – up 41% from the previous June year."

Annual exports of all fruit were up $617 million (31%) for the June 2016 year. Apples also contributed to the rise, up $130 million (23%).

The rise in fruit exports eclipsed other rises in export commodities for the June 2016 year, including forestry products (up $250 million), and meat products (up $237 million).

The rise in fruit also helped to offset a fall in annual exports of milk powder, butter, and cheese (down $875 million). Within these dairy exports there were contrasting movements; milk powder was down $1.1 billion (16%), with little change in the quantity exported. In contrast, the values and quantities of butter, cheese, and fresh milk and cream exported were all up in the year ended June 2016.

This release focuses on our goods trade.