Volcano export woes bring New Zealand windfall

We reported yesterday that the airline snafu caused by Eyjafjallajokull’s eruption has had a severe impact on domestic and international imports and exports. But while the volcano has temporarily grounded some industries, New Zealand is flying high. Flower distributors and fisheries in the country are working overtime fulfilling international orders for salmon and orchids. The flowers satisfy North America’s craving for Dutch Cymbidium orchids at the start of the wedding season, while salmon orders are saving shortages in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. No word yet on how the volcano will impact New Zealand’s tourism industry, which accounts for 9 percent of its GDP — roughly $19 billion.