Exporters confident about 2011

Exporters are feeling positive about 2011, with 80 per cent expecting to increase orders across all markets next year, an Export New Zealand survey shows.

The National Export Outlook Survey, conducted in mid-November, found 44 per cent of the 251 mainly manufacturing exporters included planned to enter new markets over the next 12 months.

Over half expected profits to improve, with a further 32 per cent expecting profits to hold steady.

Around 50 per cent planned to keep staff numbers at the same level, 38 per cent said they would employ more staff over the next 12 months and 13 per cent reported they would cut staff.

"These results are extremely encouraging since we need our exporters to earn far more if the country is to recover income levels, and retain our standard of living," said Export New Zealand executive director Catherine Beard.