New Zealand’s import bill continued to rise in early 2026, with total imports reaching NZ$6.89 billion in February, up from NZ$6.73 billion in January 2026. The latest figures, updated on 19 March 2026, signal a modest month-on-month increase in external demand for goods.
The February reading suggests a continuation of import growth at the start of the year, following January’s NZ$6.73 billion level. While the data do not provide a breakdown by category, the overall expansion in imports may reflect ongoing strength in domestic consumption, business investment, or demand for intermediate and capital goods.
With imports trending higher into February, attention is likely to turn to forthcoming trade balance and export data to gauge how New Zealand’s external position is evolving as 2026 progresses.
