Exports up slightly, large trade deficit persists

Staff reporters
A $41 million increase in goods exports in February compared with the same month last year was matched by a $40m increase in imports.The net result is a merchandise (goods) trade deficit of $714m that remains close to record levels. In the same month last year, the deficit was $715m.February is typically a month in which New Zealand registers a trade surplus, but for the past two years that has been reversed.It follows last week's release of balance of trade statistics, showing a deficit of 8.9% of GDP (gross domestic product), the largest...