The export tonnages were 60,000 MT higher than those achieved in 2008/09 and were a factor in New Zealand’s six-month run of consecutive trade surpluses.
Milk powder, butter and cheese all ranked among the leading exports, which saw the June trade surplus hit $276m and the year-to-June surplus reach $639m.
Fonterra CEO Andrew Ferrier said consistent demand across the year, particularly from markets in Asia, helped Fonterra to cross the two million tonne milestone and end the financial year with tight inventories.
“The global recovery has been led by Asia, with demand from China particularly good,” he said. “Every tonne that’s left New Zealand has helped turn the tide with the balance of payment deficit. It’s a good feeling to be helping hold the worst of the global recession’s impacts on New Zealand’s economy at bay one container at a time.”
The record represents 140,000 TEU (20ft equivalent containers) shipped from New Zealand ports from August 2009 to July 2010. On average, Fonterra shipped 380 TEUs a day. Based on Kiwirail’s average train length, that translates to seven trains a day dedicated to moving Fonterra products to the ports.
Source: Fonterra
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