WELLINGTON, April 20 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand's total exports rose 7.3 percent year-on-year in March to 7.9 billion NZ dollars, Stats NZ reported Monday.

The growth was mainly driven by precious metals, jewellery and coins, followed by fruits, said the statistics department.

"Kiwifruit and apples contributed over 95 percent of total fruit export value in March 2026," Stats NZ international accounts spokesperson Viki Ward was quoted as saying.

Fruit is New Zealand's third largest export commodity behind dairy and meat, noted Ward. ■