The highest ever trade surplus for a March month has been recorded, driven by dairy exports, with China the prime destination.
Official figures show the country recorded a surplus of $920 million compared with a surplus of $732 million in March last year.
Exports were valued at $5.1 billion - exceeding $5 billion mark for the first time - an increase of $671 million from last year.
Milk powder, butter, and cheese exports rose $474 million (45 percent) to $1.5 billion.
However, dairy volumes fell from February.
Exports grew to two of New Zealand's top three destinations, China and the United States, while goods destined for Australia fell.
Imported goods rose by $483 million (13 percent) to $4.2 billion, driven by large items such as ships, oil rigs and a $216 million oil-drilling platform.
Imports from China and America also rose, while goods coming from Australia fell.
The country also had the highest quarterly surplus, coming in at a seasonally adjusted $1.1 billion for the three months ended March.
