India, April 22 -- New Zealand's trade surplus increased more than expected in March to the highest level since the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 as exports to China and the US logged double-digit growth amid escalating trade tensions, official data revealed on Tuesday.
The trade surplus rose sharply to NZ$970 million from NZ$392 million in February, Stats NZ said. This was the highest surplus since May 2020.
The surplus was expected to decline to NZ$80 million. In March 2024, the surplus totaled NZ$470 million. The annual growth in exports accelerated to 19.2 percent in March from 14.3 percent in February.
The top export partners were China, US, Australia, EU and Japan. Shipments to China and the US grew 23 percent and 22 percent, respec...