New Zealand's output producers price index (PPI) rose 2.1% in the March quarter compared with the preceding three-month period, while the input PPI gained 2.9%, Stats NZ data showed Monday.

Output PPI pertains to prices received by producers, while input PPI refers to prices paid by producers.

The largest output industry contributions were electricity, gas, water, and waste services; manufacturing; and rental, hiring, and real estate services. The first two industries also drove the increases in input PPI, while the rental, hiring, and real estate industry was replaced by construction.

Elsewhere, the farm expenses price index edged up 0.4%. The capital goods price index gained 0.5%.

On an annual basis, output PPI rose 4.7% in the March quarter, while input PPI jumped 5.3%. Capital goods prices went up 1.6%, and prices paid by farmers went up 0.2%.