There was an unexpected trade surplus in January as exports rose more than forecast, aided by higher shipments of wood, dairy and fruit.

President Barack Obama told governors Monday that he remains "cautiously optimistic" that Congress will approve a sweeping trade deal with 11 Pacific Rim nations this year.

Excess supply in industry augurs tough six months.

Ports of Auckland posted a 9.5 percent increase in first-half profit as the country's third-biggest port slashed its maintenance bill.

New Zealand could miss the boat as an exporter of medicinal cannabis, horticulture expert Dr Mike Nichols said.

Port of Tauranga, New Zealand's biggest port company, reported a 9 per cent drop in first-half profit as export log volumes fell.

Westpac is forecasting a Fonterra farmgate milk price of $4 this season and $4.60 in 2016/17.

A shortage of avocados combined with increasing demand for the fruit has seen prices soar this season.

The value of honey exports jumped to $285 million in 2015 from $202 million in 2014, according to the latest data.

New Zealand exporters say they are concerned that a political consensus on trade has been lost after the Labour Party came out against the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

New Zealand wine exports have reached a new record high for the 2015 year.

Here's what the international media think of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

The Government is eyeing up surplus Crown land to boost Auckland's chronic land supply shortage.

New Zealand wool prices rose at auction yesterday, with lamb wool matching its all-time high.

Sky City's been named as the location for Asia Pacific trade ministers to sign the Trans Pacific Partnership deal on February 4.

Kiwi companies making products, including toothpaste, that contain an extract from totara trees are riding a wave of global demand for natural healthcare.

As we head into 2016, a trio of trade agreements signed last year will do much to grow the future incomes and living standards of Kiwis, writes Steven Joyce.

New Zealand honey exports doubled in November as the country benefited from global demand in the $2.1 billion industry.

Dairy product prices unexpectedly slipped in the latest GlobalDairyTrade auction.

China will be back on John Key's dance card in 2016 with PM making plans for another official visit perhaps as early as March, writes Fran O'Sullivan.

China cemented its position as New Zealand's top export destination in November.

The elimination of export subsidies for agricultural exports is a watershed for world trade that will help boost dairy prices, Fonterra says.

New Zealand wholesale trade rose in the third quarter as a jump in fruit exports drove the biggest quarterly gain in sales of grocery, liquor and tobacco in more than 20 years.

Prices were up 3.6 per cent in the latest overnight dairy auction.

NZX, New Zealand's financial markets operator, has increased the minimum volume of lots required in block trades of whole and skim milk powder futures, citing increased activity.

Wine exports increased by 6.4 per cent in volume and by 10.5 per cent in value in the 12 months to September, says rural lending specialist Rabobank.

Low product prices and bad weather have taken a toll on milk production.