NZ turns to trade surplus in January, on higher shipments of wood, dairy and fruit

NZ turns to trade surplus in January, on higher shipments of wood, dairy and fruit
Tina Morrison
By Tina Morrison Feb. 26 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand unexpectedly posted a trade surplus in January as exports rose more than forecast, aided by higher shipments of wood, dairy and fruit. Statistics New Zealand said the country had a merchandise trade surplus of $8.1 million in January, compared with expectations for a $245.5 million deficit in a Reuters poll of economists. That's the first monthly surplus since May. Exports rose 5.9 percent to $3.9 billion from the year earlier month, ahead of the $3.74 billion forecast by economists...