Find financial news and analysis across NZ and Australia.
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Australia has recorded its first trade deficit in goods and services since December 2017, driven by a surge in data centre equipment imports and high fuel costs. The March quarter current account deficit widened to A$27.1 billion, setting up a drag on upcoming GDP growth figures.
New Zealand achieved a merchandise trade surplus of NZD 0.70 billion in March 2026, a significant turnaround from the previous year's deficit. Record exports of NZD 7.9 billion were driven by strong demand for precious metals and fruit.
New Zealand exports climbed to a record $8.6 billion in April 2026, delivering a historic $1.9 billion trade surplus. Strong international demand for meat, gold, dairy, and crude oil offset rising global economic uncertainties.
QR code-based 'quishing' scams have more than doubled in New Zealand, now making up 9.3% of all detected cyber threats. Scammers are currently exploiting a new NZ$2.54 import charge to trick mobile users into visiting fraudulent payment sites.
New Zealand officials are monitoring fuel supplies as petrol prices rise 33.6% and diesel 94.9% following conflict in the Middle East. Global oil prices hit US$102.40 per barrel as supply chain risks grow.
The A2 Milk Company (A2M.NZ) shares fell 13.03% to NZ$7.7400 following a voluntary recall of infant formula in the US. While the financial impact is expected to be negligible, analysts remain concerned about potential brand damage in the critical China market.
Australia's economic growth slowed sharply to 0.3% in the first quarter of 2026, missing market expectations. Extreme weather disruptions and weak consumer spending dragged on activity, posing a policy dilemma for the Reserve Bank of Australia.
A study by the Reserve Bank of Australia dissects the relationship between profit margins, business mark-ups, and consumer prices. The findings challenge simplistic narratives about inflation, showing how margin adjustments are driven by complex shifts in costs and demand.
New Zealand's Budget 2026 will allocate $70.7 million over four years to the New Zealand Customs Service to boost domestic border security. This funding forms part of a larger $81.5 million package aimed at combatting organised crime and international drug smuggling.
Napier Port Holdings Limited has approved an on-market share buyback of approximately 312,000 shares to support employee ownership plans. The move follows strong half-year results, with revenue rising to $84.9 million.
Air New Zealand is set to launch three new non-stop international routes from Christchurch to Singapore, Tokyo, and Perth starting in late 2026, supported by the return of its Boeing 787 fleet.
Australian median growth superannuation funds rebounded with a 2.6% return in April 2026, driven by a surge in global technology shares and a Middle East ceasefire. The recovery largely offsets a 3.2% decline in March, leaving the sector on track for a 6.4% return for the 2026 financial year.
The Australian share market experienced a significant downturn on Monday, with the ASX 200 losing over A$30 billion in value. Rising oil prices and a global bond sell-off have intensified concerns over persistent inflation and high interest rates.
Air New Zealand has appointed Josh Emett as its new Culinary Ambassador to redesign premium dining experiences. The new menus will debut in October 2026 across long-haul flights from Auckland and North America.
The New Zealand Government has introduced the Fair Trading Amendment Bill, proposing to raise corporate penalties for misleading pricing to $5 million or three times the commercial gain. The legislation aims to deter deceptive practices and protect consumers from pricing errors that cost tens of millions of dollars annually.
BHP Group Limited (BHP.AX) has reached an all-time high of 59.78 AUD, driven by record copper prices and a 22% increase in half-year profit. While technical indicators like the RSI (14) at 70.77 suggest overbought conditions, the company's strategic pivot to future-facing commodities continues to attract investor interest.
Resources Minister Shane Jones has announced that a fourth petroleum exploration permit application, covering onshore and offshore Waikato, has entered the competitive process. The application by a three-company joint venture follows the 2025 lifting of the exploration ban.
The NZX 50 index climbed 0.9% to 13271 points on Thursday, led by an 11% surge in Gentrack and a 3% gain for Infratil. While technology and infrastructure stocks thrived on AI optimism, consumer-facing companies like SkyCity and Tourism Holdings saw declines.
The Albanese government will announce a A$10.7 billion fuel and fertiliser security package in the May 12 Budget, featuring a 1 billion litre fuel reserve and a A$5 billion tax relief scheme for businesses.
CDC Data Centres has secured a landmark 555-megawatt contract in Australia, the largest in the nation's history. The 30-year agreement with a high-end US customer is expected to drive annualised EBITDAF to A$2 billion.
New Zealand small businesses are facing a dual financial squeeze as KiwiSaver employer contributions rise to 3.5% alongside surging fuel costs. Recent data shows 17% of SMEs have less than a month of cash reserves, raising concerns about future hiring and wage growth.
Telix Pharmaceuticals, Domino's Pizza, and Polynovo top the list of the most shorted shares on the ASX as of May 4, 2026, according to the latest ASIC data.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand held the OCR at 2.25% in April 2026 as annual inflation remained stuck at 3.1%. Rising electricity and fuel costs, exacerbated by Middle East tensions, have prompted a sharp upward revision of short-term inflation forecasts.