Statistics New Zealand reported that the seasonally adjusted exports of merchandise increased 2.6 percent ($205 million) in the March 2006 quarter, following an increase of 4.9 percent ($371 million) in the December 2005 quarter. At $8,065 million, the March 2006 quarter value is the highest since June 2004.
The main contributors to the increased value of exports during the March 2006 quarter were mechanical machinery and equipment; and wool and other industry.
Mechanical machinery and equipment, and wool have both risen 6.1 percent and 17.3 percent, respectively in seasonally adjusted value since the December 2005 quarter.
The March 2006 World Price Index for meat, skins and wool was at it's lowest since March 2004.
The New Zealand dollar fell 4.4 percent for the March 2006 quarter; depreciating exchange rates generally have an upward influence upon New Zealand exports values.