KEY POINTS:
The export of dairy products and crude oil bolstered merchandise exports by 18.4 per cent in November.
Exports in November climbed from a year ago to $3.3 billion, thanks to milk powder, butter and cheese exports which rose in value by almost 50 per cent to a record $915 million, Statistics New Zealand said.
Crude oil recorded the biggest gain of the petroleum and products component, the data agency said.
Vehicles, parts and accessories lifted imports in November by 9.4 per cent from a year ago to $3.9 billion.
The trade deficit narrowed to $646 million in November from $820 million in the previous corresponding period.
