Exporters to new Asian markets are feeling particularly upbeat about their prospects for the year ahead.
The DHL New Zealand Export Barometer surveyed 320 exporters and found 70% expect export orders to increase in the coming year.
DHL Express national sales manager Phil Corcoran says sentiment among firms exporting to Asia was particularly positive.
He says it's not just in traditional markets such as China, but also countries where New Zealand exporters are finding expanding opportunities such as Taiwan and Korea.
Mr Corcoran says there has been a lull in terms of South Island exporters: their numbers in February, March and April were down by around 21% compared to the same period for last year, although things are starting to pick up.
He says the Rugby World Cup has injected a bit of energy into the export sector, with 40% of exporters expecting the tournament to boost their bottom line.
