Official figures show New Zealand posted a $1.04 billion deficit in August, compared to $465 million in the same period a year earlier.
Imports grew 19 percent, pushing up the trade deficit Photo: 123RF
Exports grew by 6 percent to $3.7 billion - the highest ever value for an August month - due to higher sales of meat and fruit, which offset declines in dairy products.
But imports jumped by 19 percent to $4.8 billion, led by aircraft.
On an annual basis, the deficit stood at $3.3 billion.
