Kiwi exporters say high costs are a major barrier to doing business here.

This year's DHL export NZ barometer shows nine out of ten Kiwi exporters report seeing an increase in total costs in the past year.

Many are increasing prices to compensate.

DHL Operations Vice President Chitra Shinde told Mike Hosking many companies are withholding stock, and pulling back.

She says companies are holding onto inventory, because of uncertainty, which also accounts for costs.

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