Source: Statistics New Zealand
Fuel leads rise in imports in the year ended July 2026 – news story
21 August 2026
New Zealand’s total imports were valued at $89.8 billion in the year ended July 2026, up $9.0 billion (11 percent) compared with the year ended July 2025, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.
Petroleum and petroleum products led the rise, up $2.3 billion (23 percent) to $12.1 billion. Higher prices for diesel, petrol, and jet fuel all contributed to the increase.
“Fuel accounted for one-quarter of the increase in the total value of imports in the year ended July 2026,” international accounts spokesperson Shanna Dilworth said.
While overseas merchandise trade does not explicitly measure price changes, the rising value of fuel imports over the period was predominately driven by higher prices.