Trade volume builds at Ports of Auckland

By DANIEL RIORDAN

Container volumes through the Ports of Auckland rose 10 per cent in March, compared with the same month the previous year.

Import volumes were up 6 per cent and export volumes up 8 per cent. Transshipments and empties were up 16 per cent. Breakbulk (non-containerised) volumes were up 7 per cent over the same period.

The company, which accounts for about a third of New Zealand's exports and two-thirds of imports, is widely regarded as a guide to the economy.

Starting with yesterday's announcement, the company will issue volume figures around the middle of each month.

Previously, the figures were issued to the market only as part of its full-year and interim profit results, by which time they were at least 2 1/2 months out of date.