Goods exports rose $306 million (9.0 percent) to $3.7 billion.

Fruit had the largest rise of any export commodity group in August 2017, up $70 million (29 percent) to $311 million.

Kiwifruit led the rise in fruit, up $73 million (37 percent) to $268 million.

Gold kiwifruit rose $45 million (55 percent) in value, and 26 percent in quantity.

Green kiwifruit rose $28 million (25 percent) in value, and 17 percent in quantity.

Milk powder, butter, and cheese exports fell $12 million (2.6 percent) in value, and 25 percent in quantity. August months are generally lower-value and lower-quantity months for dairy commodity exports.

The monthly trade balance was a deficit of $1.2 billion (33 percent of exports).

The average monthly deficit in August over the last five years was $968 million (28 percent of exports).