Exports rose 5.9% to $3.9 billion from the year-earlier month, ahead of the $3.74b forecast by economists, while imports increased 7.2% to $3.89b, also higher than the $3.87b expected.
The NZ dollar rose, recently trading at 67.23 United States cents, from 66.99 US cents immediately before the 10.45am release.
Forestry exports led the gains in the month, increasing 22% to $244m from the year earlier, while dairy exports advanced 3.7% to $1.22b and fruit exports jumped 32% to $81m as cherry exports surged 51% to a record $55m.
"This month’s surplus was the first following seven deficits in a row," ASB Bank rural economist Nathan Penny said in a note.
"The export value rise highlights the export sector strength outside of the struggling dairy sector. Of the 10 largest export categories, eight recorded higher values over the January 2016 year compared to the year to January 2015."
China remained the country's top export destination in January, with exports up 25% to $737m, led by a rise in milk powder, butter, cheese, wool and cherries.
Exports to Australia, the second largest market, advanced 11% to $581m, driven by gains in food preparations for infant use, paper and paperboard, milk powder, butter and cheese.
However, exports to the US, the third largest market, slipped 9.5% to $451m, as beef exports fell 33% in value and 23% in volume.
China also remained the top source for NZ’s imports, with goods from the country increasing 21% to $878m in the month, led by fertilisers, regular grade petroleum and phones.
The import gain in the month was led by an 8.5% increase in intermediate goods, aided by fertilisers, parts and accessories of capital goods, and automotive diesel.
The rise was offset by a decline in crude oil imports, which slid 38% in value and 7.9% in volume, reflecting ongoing price declines.
On an annual basis, NZ had a merchandise trade deficit of $3.58b in the 12 months to the end of January, compared with expectations for a $3.84b deficit in the Reuters poll.
It's little changed from December's annual $3.53b deficit but larger than the $1.42b deficit at the same period a year earlier, according to the statistics data.
