New Zealand's economy is heavily dependent on overseas trade. Traditionally a large proportion of New Zealand's exports, (mainly agricultural products), went to the United Kingdom. But over the past 25 years our trading partners have become more diverse, to include a more dominant Asia.

New Zealand has developed its agriculture and manufacturing industries to suit the needs of niche markets. Dairy and meat exports still make a large contribution to New Zealand's economy. However, industries such as forestry, horticulture, fishing, manufacturing and tourism have become increasingly significant.

Australia is now our number one merchandise export market, accounting for 18% of the value of New Zealand's exports in 2001. The United States has increased its share to become our second largest export market (15%), followed by Japan (13%) and in fourth place the United Kingdom (5%).

The value of merchandise exports to all countries has increased by 141% between 1998 and 2001. Exports to many Asian countries have increased at a faster rate - for example the value of exports to Korea over this period has increased 358% to a total value of $1.4 million in 2001.

For the year ended September 2002, the merchandise exports value is $31,676 million, a decrease of 3.7 % from the previous September year. Gross Domestic Product for the year ended March 2001 totalled $112, 316 million.

The New Zealand currency is the New Zealand dollar. One dollar is equal to 100 cents (50c, 20c, 10c, 5c).