New Zealand posted a merchandise trade surplus of NZ$292 million in April, Statistics New Zealand said on Wednesday - representing 6.8 percent of exports.
The headline figure topped forecasts for a surplus of NZ$25 million and was up from NZ$117 million in March.
Exports climbed NZ$166 million or 4.0 percent on year to NZ$4.30 billion - also exceeding expectations for NZ$4.08 billion and up from NZ$4.20 billion in the previous month.
Fruit exports led the rise, up NZ$59 million (16 percent), offsetting a similar fall in dairy values. Gold kiwifruit rose NZ$53 million (53 percent), but was partly offset by a fall in green kiwifruit, down NZ$38 million (35 percent). Apples rose NZ$39 million (29 percent), with apple exports to Taiwan up NZ$16 million (91 percent).
Taiwan was New Zealand's top destination for apples in April, beating out the United States and the United Kingdom.
Among other export commodities, untreated logs, foodstuffs such as dietary supplements and savoury fillings, and beef and lamb all rose in value this month.
"Rises in exports of our smaller commodities, such as fruit, are offsetting the falls in the dairy sector," senior manager Nicola Growden said.
The milk powder, butter, and cheese commodity group fell 6.7 percent on year to NZ$818 million in April. The fall was led by butter, down NZ$33 million, and milk powder, down NZ$13 million (but with quantities exported up 14 percent).
Imports gained an annual NZ$58 million or 1.5 percent to NZ$4.01 billion versus forecasts for NZ$3.98 billion after coming in at NZ$4.09 billion a month earlier.
Consumption goods led the rise, up NZ$129 million (14 percent), with increases across a broad range of goods.
The rise in consumption goods values was driven by the lower New Zealand dollar and higher import volumes.
Imports of consumer products including clothing, medicine, furniture, and household electrical appliances more than offset a fall in imports of aircraft.
There was an annual trade deficit of NZ$3.7 billion, following an annual trade deficit of NZ$3.8 billion in March.
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