Nearly 45% of respondents also said they were absorbing most additional costs themselves rather than passing them on to customers, putting sustained margin pressure at the centre of the 2026 outlook.
Most respondents described the impact of these disruptions as major or moderate at 78%, but that has not meant exports have fallen as a result.
In fact, 45% of respondents reported growth in their exports over the past year, compared to 19% who reported a decline.
DHL Express New Zealand vice-president of commercial Selina Deadman said the report’s findings demonstrated the resilience of Kiwi exporters.
“While nearly half are still finding ways to grow, they are absorbing significant supply chain costs to do so. This reflects what we’re seeing across our global network at DHL with trade becoming more complex and less predictable,” Deadman said.
“The resilience of New Zealand exporters is clear, but so is the need for agile and efficient supply chains to support continued growth.”
DHL Express New Zealand vice president of commercial Selina Deadman said trade was becoming more complex and less predictable.
Behind the growth of New Zealand’s export industry is a diversification of market exposure, with growing numbers choosing to trade into emerging markets like Southeast Asia, India and the Middle East.
These regions are notably where New Zealand has recently signed Free Trade Agreements (FTA), opening up markets for New Zealand exporters.
The recently signed FTA with India and the announcement of an FTA with the Gulf Cooperation Council will likely further growth in these areas.
With a greater look to new markets overseas, the standing of Australia as an export partner has eased slightly, although it still remains New Zealand’s top export destination, with the United States and Europe following.
The proportion of respondents exporting to the United Kingdom and China was down in comparison.
Despite the region’s growth supporting new opportunities, exporters are becoming more cautious.
One in five exporters (19%) said they were adopting a wait-and-see approach, rather than investing in new markets or products. New product development also edged down, from 42% to 40% of respondents.
As for priorities, targeted government support was increasingly cited, particularly around trade show attendance, realising the full benefit of FTAs and more direct support from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) in overseas markets.
ExportNZ executive director Joshua Tan said exporters have a proven record of adaptability, especially across the past decade.
“Time and time again we’ve praised the resilience of New Zealand’s export sector, which includes various types of businesses. These latest survey results prove that it’s not an exaggeration when we say exporters are currently facing the most difficult operating conditions seen in a long time,” Tan said.
“Throughout the past 10 years we’ve seen severe supply chain disruption, tariff confusion as well as fuel and input costs skyrocket. With the ongoing support of officials, our business owners still manage to lead the way into new markets, forge connections and find a path for future exporters to thrive.”
DHL surveyed 289 New Zealand exporters for the report between May 1, 2026 and May 31, 2026, down from 333 in 2025.
Tom Raynel is a multimedia business journalist for the Herald, covering small business, retail and tourism.
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