Dairy farmers have warned a Senate inquiry Australia could soon be importing milk from NZ if their dairy crisis deepens.

Tourism earnings have soared to edge out dairy as New Zealand's top export earner for the first time since 2010.

International dairy prices improved slightly at this morning's Global Dairy Trade auction, gaining by 1.4 per cent since the last sale early this month.

Britain and New Zealand have agreed to set up trade policy talks to help push for greater trade liberalisation.

The decline is the first in five auctions.

New Zealand's trade deficit widened to the biggest monthly gap since September 2014 as dairy and meat exports slumped in August.

New Zealand milk price futures have fallen in the wake of the latest GlobalDairyTrade auction.

Manufacturing exports slumped by more than 20 per cent in July as a persistently strong Kiwi dollar puts pressure on the sector.

NZ commodity prices rose for a fourth month as the rebound in dairy continued, although a strong kiwi dollar limited gains for local producers.

Ministry for Primary Industries is criticised after UK honey company claims fake manuka has flooded its market.

New Zealand export log prices slid to an eight-month low in August as a stronger local currency and higher shipping rates dented returns.

COMMENT: Critics of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal lack a strategic alternative.

China's imports of dairy products jumped 26 percent in the 12 months ended June 30.

The new season is predicted to be the biggest New Zealand has ever seen.

Chinese regulations that caused upheaval in New Zealand's infant formula industry two years ago are set to be extended to honey and wine exporters.

Kiwifruit marketer Zespri said its exports to China were due to resume this week.

Ports of Auckland will go ahead with plans to partially automate its container terminal.

Ports of Auckland and Napier Port have announced a strategic alliance they say will help improve services for freight customers.

COMMENT: Looking beyond dairy, the picture is one of faltering growth in world trade volumes and mounting protectionism.

Kiwifruit exports rose $105 million in June this year to reach $331m. The increase was up 47 percent, with goods exports rising $109

New Zealand fruit exports have been the shining star of commodities over the past year.

Export opportunities exist well beyond the most obvious places.

A gain in whole milk powder offset a fall for most other products in the latest overnight dairy auction.

COMMENT: Trade disputes are difficult but the allegation of steel dumping by China is playing out more messily than most.

The Government has refused to confirm whether NZ Steel has lodged complaints that China is 'dumping' low cost steel in the NZ market

John Key says China has given no sign that it has concerns with New Zealand, let alone threatened to retaliate against Kiwi exporters.

The biggest container ship to visit New Zealand will visit Port of Tauranga later this year.

News that a free trade agreement with the EU is still on track, despite Brexit, has been welcomed by New Zealand's export sector.

Donald Trump has taken his anti-trade tirades to a whole new level.

Tauranga shareholders will take some convincing that a new port to serve the upper North Island would be a good move.