New Zealand’s terms of trade for import prices saw a sharp turnaround in the second quarter of 2026, with the indicator rising to 13.8%, according to data updated on 2 September 2026. This marks a significant reversal from the first quarter of 2026, when import prices had declined by 0.7%.
The move from a modest contraction to a strong double-digit increase suggests a notable shift in the cost of goods New Zealand buys from overseas. The jump in import prices may signal growing external cost pressures for the economy, with potential implications for inflation, corporate margins, and trade balances in the periods ahead.
Market participants and policymakers are likely to watch subsequent releases closely to determine whether this sharp rise in import prices is temporary or the start of a more persistent trend in New Zealand’s terms of trade.
