New Zealand Overview

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New Zealand economy slackened in 2005. GDP growth rate plunged to 2.5% in 2005 whereas it was 4.4% in 2004. The IMF forecasts a 2.5% growth in 2006. After the decrease of the official market rate, the investments slackened but the domestic consumption still remained high to the end of 2005. . Inflation is under control (3.2% in 2005) and the unemployment rate remains low (3.4% in 2005).

The agricultural sector is very developed in new Zealand. It contributes to almost half of the country's exports. The main activity is breeding and New Zealand adds up to 40% of world-wide mutton and lamb exports. The main crops are cereals, wood, kiwis and wine growing which is booming. New Zealand industry is competitive in several sectors such as chemicals and metallurgy. Food processing is the leading industry. Maritime transport and tourism are also well developed.

New Zealand's top three trade partners, concerning imports as well as exports, are Australia, the United States and Japan. The country mainly imports vehicles, capital goods, machinery and hydrocarbons. Dairy products are the country's strongest export. Foreign direct investments (FDI) are huge, especially concerning banking and insurance sectors.