More dairy, wood, and wine exports in April 2017 led to a goods trade surplus of $578 million, says Statistics New Zealand.

International trade statistics senior manager Daria Kwon says because of this increase in April, New Zealand experienced the largest monthly trade surplus since 2015, and helped trimmed back the annual deficit, which reached an eight-year high in February.

'The annual trade deficit reduced to $3.5 billion in April from $3.7b in March. In February 2017 it peaked at $3.8b, the highest trade deficit in almost eight years.”

April's goods trade surplus was the largest monthly surplus since March 2015 and the largest April surplus since April 2011. And while Easter fell in April this year, the holiday appeared to have little impact on exports.

Both exports and imports reached new highs for an April month, says Daria.

'Goods exports in April 2017 were worth $4.8b, up $423 million (9.8 per cent) from April 2016. The only two months with higher values were March 2014 ($5.0b) and March 2015 ($4.9b).

The top-five export commodities all rose compared with April 2016.

Milk powder, butter, and cheese continued the increases seen in recent months, up 35 per cent on the back of higher prices. Logs, wood, and wood articles rose 18 per cent, with quantities up at a similar rate. Wine values rose 20 per cent with quantities up 40 per cent.

Goods imports were worth $4.2b, up $195 million (4.9 per cent) from April last year. The main movements were intermediate goods (led by petroleum) and capital goods (led by mobile phones, portable computers, and tractors).

KEY FACTS - April 2017 vs April 2016:

Goods exports rose $423m (9.8 per cent) to $4.8b, a new high for an April month.

• Milk powder, butter, and cheese rose $289m (35 per cent).
• Logs, wood, and wood articles rose $61m (18 per cent).
• Goods exports to China rose $182m (22 per cent).

Goods imports rose $195m (4.9 per cent) to $4.2b, also a new high for an April month.

• Intermediate goods rose $127m (8.1 per cent).
• Capital goods rose $45m (5.3 per cent).
• Consumption goods fell $27m (2.5 per cent).
• Goods imports from China rose $60m (7.9 per cent).

The monthly trade balance was a surplus of $578m (12 per cent of exports). The annual trade surplus reduced to $3.5b from $3.7b last month.

The trade weighted index rose 4.4 percent from April 2016.