NZ posts smaller-than-expected trade surplus in February, annual deficit at 5-year high

NZ posts smaller-than-expected trade surplus in February, annual deficit at 5-year high
By Tina Morrison March 25 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand recorded a smaller-than-expected trade surplus in February, led by declining dairy exports, while the annual deficit widened to the largest in more than five years. Statistics New Zealand said the trade surplus was $50 million in February, lower than the $392 million expected in a Reuters poll of economists. January’s surplus was revised down to $33 million, from $56 million. The annual trade deficit was $2.18 billion, the biggest gap since August 2009, and larger than the $1.82 bi...