Statistics New Zealand figures showed a 27% increase in dairy export volumes, a 9% increase in meat exports, a 24% increase in forestry exports, a 15% increase in fruit exports and a 9% increase in fish exports.
ASB economist Jane Turner said dairy exports were surprisingly subdued in the early months of the year, particularly given the strength of production.
"This may have been the result of a disruption to shipments, due to industrial disputes. The lift in dairy volumes over May and June may reflect some 'catch-up' as shipments returned to normal."
The lift in meat exports was likely to be more of a genuine increase. The excellent pasture conditions in the past season resulted in stock being held back late last year to increase weights and more slaughter occurred later in the season, she said.
Forestry exports performed strongly after a subdued performance late last year. That suggested an increase in underlying demand for forestry exports overseas.
Anecdotes suggested some key export markets had excess inventories to work through late last year, Ms Turner said.
The country's exporters increased the value of sales to China 58%, to $602 million, in June, taking annual exports to $6.12 billion. The increase in foreign sales to Asia offset a 21% slump in exports to the European Union, as the region continued to battle the sovereign credit crisis.
However, it was not all good news for the trade balance. The quarterly trade balance recorded a seasonally adjusted deficit of $664 million as export receipts continued to ease after the fall in the three months ended March.
Statistics NZ said the trend for monthly exports of milk powder, butter and cheese had been falling since a record high in November 2011.
Dairy exports fell 5.7% in the June quarter, largely due to lower volumes.
Meat export values fell 1.5%, reflecting a fall in prices. The fall in prices came as international meat prices corrected from elevated levels while the New Zealand dollar value remained high.
Imports fell 1.9% in the June quarter, mainly because of a fall in transport equipment and oil imports. Transport equipment imports were affected by the timing of large aircraft imports as Air New Zealand upgraded its fleet.
Shipments of oil tended to be lumpy and volatile.
Ms Turner said that looking beyond those categories, she saw a gradual and steady recovery in imports of capital equipment and consumer goods, which highlighted the recovery in New Zealand as domestic demand gained traction.
The trade balance moved into deficit this year, largely as a result of the fall in global export commodity prices.
Last year, overseas prices for meat and dairy were elevated but had since corrected as global supply increased, she said.
The recent drought in the United States, and its impact on crops and increase in feed prices, suggested there would probably be a recovery in meat and dairy prices in 2013.
"Beyond agricultural exports, the current slowdown in growth in our main trading partners is the key concern. The euro zone debt crisis remains the key risk to the outlook."
For the time being, it appeared that demand had held up for New Zealand exports, although the very high level of the kiwi was likely to be eroding competitiveness in some markets, Ms Turner said.
The export sector would continue to contribute less to growth over the rest of the year but there was scope for improvement next year, she said.
