NZ trade deficit widens in October as demand for imported machinery outstrips primary export growth

NZ trade deficit widens in October as demand for imported machinery outstrips primary export growth
Paul McBeth
By Paul McBeth Nov. 24 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand's monthly trade deficit widened in October as demand for imported mechanical machinery offset gains in the value of the country's export commodities with renewed appetite from Chinese buyers.  The country's trade deficit was $871 million in October compared to $798 million a year earlier, Statistics New Zealand said. The value of imports climbed 15 percent to $5.43 billion in October, driven by a 33 percent jump in purchases of mechanical machinery and equipment to $777 million, includin...