NEW ZEALAND'S IMPORT BILL OUTPACES EXPORTS

New Zealand's trade deficit widened to NZ$2.0 billion in September, Stats NZ data show, as goods imports rose 18% from a year earlier while exports grew a slower 12%. The widening gap lands as $NZDUSD heads into the next inflation report that will help shape the Reserve Bank's next move on rates. Imports are now growing faster than the exports meant to keep the trade balance in check.