Southeast Asia Imports Hit $16b in Year to September 2026

New Zealand's total imports from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN*) were valued at $16 billion in the year ended September 2026, up $2.1 billion (15 percent) compared with the year ended September 2025, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

"New Zealand's total imports were valued at $92 billion in the year ended September 2026, with imports from ASEAN accounting for almost a fifth of this figure," international accounts spokesperson Shanna Dilworth said.

New Zealand's total exports were valued at $85.8 billion in the year ended September 2026.

Total exports to ASEAN over the same period were valued at $9.6 billion, up $918 million (11 percent) compared with the year ended September 2025. Dairy (up $716 million) led the rise, accounting for just under two-thirds of the total value of exports to ASEAN.

Fuel drives increase in ASEAN import values

New Zealand imports mostly refined fuels, including petrol, diesel, and jet fuel.

Fuel imports from ASEAN were valued at $5.5 billion in the year ended September 2026, an increase of $1.3 billion (30 percent) compared with the year ended September 2025.

Singapore led the increase, up $922 million (29 percent) to $4.0 billion. Fuel imports from Malaysia increased $432 million (48 percent) to $1.3 billion.

"Fuel imports from ASEAN contributed 42 percent of the total value of New Zealand fuel imports in the year ended September 2026," Dilworth said.

New Zealand's main source of fuel was South Korea, which is not a part of ASEAN. Fuel imports from South Korea were valued at $5.9 billion in the year ended September 2026, up $1.7 billion (41 percent) compared with the year ended September 2025.

While overseas merchandise trade does not explicitly measure price changes, the rising value of fuel imports over the period was predominately driven by higher prices.

Imports of mechanical and electrical machinery continue to rise

Mechanical machinery and equipment imports were valued at $1.3 billion in the year ended September 2026, an increase of $321 million (33 percent) compared with the year ended September 2025. Mechanical machinery and equipment include things such as computers, jet engines, turbines, and air-conditioners.

Electrical machinery and equipment imports were valued at $1.5 billion, up $217 million (17 percent). Electrical machinery and equipment include things such as phones, transformers, and insulation materials.

Imports of mechanical machinery and equipment, and electrical machinery and equipment from ASEAN have been trending upwards as manufacturing of items such as computers and phones expands in countries like Viet Nam and Thailand.

Dairy exports to ASEAN up 14 percent

New Zealand's total dairy exports were valued at $24.3 billion in the year ended September 2026, up $786 million (3.3 percent) compared with the year ended September 2025.

Dairy exports to ASEAN were valued at $5.7 billion, an increase of $716 million (14 percent). Indonesia was the leading ASEAN destination for New Zealand's dairy exports, up $203 million (16 percent) to $1.5 billion.

"ASEAN is our second-largest dairy export market behind China, contributing almost a quarter of the total value of New Zealand dairy exports in the year ended September 2026," Dilworth said.

*ASEAN comprises 11 member countries: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Viet Nam.