Export decline confirms lack of a plan

Facts have a way of cutting through spin, says Labour’s Economic Development spokesperson David Cunliffe, commenting on the latest trade statistics that show exports declined 4.4 per cent in the year from May 2011 to May 2012.

“Hashing together government departments into a political fiefdom, or trumpeting ‘targets’ that will do little to assist business, will do nothing to change the reality that New Zealand is not paying its way in the world,” David Cunliffe said.

“Latest Statistics New Zealand data shows the value of exported goods fell $202 million or 4.4 per cent in May 2012 compared to May 2011, with primary products leading the fall.

“If the government continues to rely on bulk commodities that have notorious price cycles, they should not be surprised at this result,” David Cunliffe said.

“Exports of meat, raw logs, wood products and dairy products all showed year-on-year declines, according to Statistics NZ.

“Steven Joyce should eat his words, having attacked the Pure Advantage business leaders for daring to suggest New Zealand win advantage in the $6 trillion global green growth market, only to oversee declines in the value of commodity exports,” David Cunliffe said.