Positive sign for the economy: Stats NZ says New Zealand’s annual exports reached a record $80.7b in 2025.

Total exports were valued at $80.7 billion in the year ended December 2025. Stats NZ said this is the first time annual exports have reached $80 billion.

The value of total exports increased by $9.9 billion, or 14 percent, compared with the year ended December 2024.

Stats NZ international accounts spokesperson Viki Ward said milk powder, butter, and cheese led the rise in exports, up $4.2 billion (21 percent) to $24.3 billion in the year ended December 2025.

Ward said milk powder was up $1.6 billion and milk fats, including butter, were up $1.4 billion in the same period.

She said the increase in milk powder, cheese, and butter was primarily due to higher unit prices.

Ward said milk powder, butter, and cheese made up 30 percent of annual exports in December 2025.

Meat and edible offal were the second largest value change, increasing by $1.8 billion to $10.4 billion in the year ended December 2025.

The largest value increases for meat and edible offal exports by destination were the United States, up $379 million (15 percent), and the United Kingdom, up $343 million (69 percent) in the year ended December 2025.

Ward said meat contributed to the largest proportion of increases in exports to the United Kingdom.

For the Hibiscus Coast, if export prices stay high, more money can flow into local suppliers and local spending.

Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.

Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]