Some of the top growing export commodities being shipped from New Zealand were precious metals, jewellery and coins.
This is according to new data from Stats NZ, which report that the export of precious metals, jewellery and coins grew by 69 per cent, or NZ$70 million, to NZ$171 million in the month of May.
In the 12 months to May 2025, precious metals, jewellery and coins exports were up 29.4 per cent, hitting NZ$1.43 billion.
These goods were predominantly shipped to Australia, and added to a 9.7 per cent lift in total exporting across all categories for the month of May, lifting NZ$676 million to NZ$7.7 billion.
In contrast, goods imports fell by NZ$499 million (or 7.2 percent) to NZ$6.4 billion.
Some of the other key rises in exports were reported in milk powder, butter, and cheese, fruit, and meat and edible offal.
Textiles and textile articles were one of the many export goods reporting falls, down 4.4 per cent to NZ$41 million.
Wool exports were down 22.2 per cent in May, but lifted by 4.3 per cent in the 12 months to May 2025.
The surge in precious metals and jewellery exports coincides with an ongoing growth in the jewellery market in New Zealand, according to Statista.
In 2025, the market is projected to generate a revenue of US$329.88 million, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.29 per cent expected over the next five years.
“When compared globally, the highest revenue is generated in China, reaching a staggering US$120bn in 2025,” Statista shared on its website.
“In terms of per capita revenue, each person in New Zealand is estimated to contribute US$62.12 in 2025.
“Furthermore, by 2025, 57 per cent of sales in the jewellery market will be attributed to luxury.”
Some of the key jewellery businesses in New Zealand include Michael Hill, Zoe & Morgan, Meadowlark and Diamonds on Richmond. For Michael Hill in particular, the business does report to have suppliers in New Zealand.