(MENAFN) A sharp rise in New Zealand’s exports helped reduce its trade deficit in July 2025, even as imports continued to climb, according to official data released Thursday.

Figures from Stats NZ revealed that overseas merchandise exports totaled 6.7 billion NZ dollars (3.9 billion U.S. dollars) last month, marking a 10% increase from July 2024. The growth was primarily fueled by strong international demand for dairy, beef, and precious metals.

Shipments to China, New Zealand’s largest trading partner, jumped 7.1% year-on-year, driven largely by dairy exports. Trade activity also picked up with the European Union, Japan, and the United States, underscoring broad-based global demand.

Exports to China, New Zealand’s top trading partner, climbed 7.1% in July 2025 from a year earlier, driven by strong dairy demand. Trade volumes also increased with the European Union, Japan, and the United States, according to Stats NZ.

Overall, the country’s goods exports reached 6.7 billion NZ dollars (3.9 billion U.S. dollars) for the month—a 10% rise year-on-year—bolstered by higher sales of dairy products, beef, and precious metals, official data showed.

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