China continues as Aotearoa New Zealand's principal trade ally, with bilateral goods and services trade reaching NZ$38 billion for the year concluding December 2023. In the March 2024 quarter, New Zealand's exports to China amounted to NZ$5.34 billion, accounting for 21.6% of its total exports.
In the initial months of 2024, New Zealand's fruit exports to China saw a 53% year-on-year increase, totalling NZ$378 million by April. This surge is attributed to the delivery of Zespri's kiwifruit, following two challenging seasons that have now yielded a larger, high-quality crop. With a significant portion of this crop destined for the Chinese market, expectations are for continued strong performance in the fruit export category.
Apple and pear sectors also reported high-quality yields, with Envy apples' later harvest likely impacting future export figures. The recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle, which affected crucial orchards in February 2023, has also contributed to the positive year-on-year export results.
Source: interest.co.nz