Skip to main content

Story: Economic history

Exports and GDP, 1860–2004

Image
Exports and GDP, 1860–2004

This graph shows the growth in both the real value of New Zealand’s exports, and gross domestic product (GDP) since 1860. The fact that the course of export growth is closely mirrored by the course of GDP growth suggests how important trade was in determining New Zealand’s economic fortunes. This is also implied by the high proportion of exports relative to GDP – throughout this period they were the equivalent of between a fifth and a third of GDP. The figures have been adjusted to year-2000 dollars.

Using this item

Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

Source: Statistics New Zealand

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page

Brian Easton, Economic history – Phases of economic development, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/graph/24313/exports-and-gdp-1860-2004 (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Brian Easton, published 12 April 2010.