It's in the mail ... eventually

Businesses' bill-paying has improved slightly, but on average still lingers over two weeks more than the standard 30-day term, a Dun & Bradstreet survey shows.

"This means that cashflow pressures are still on businesses," D&B New Zealand manager John Scott said.

The average trade payment period in New Zealand in June was around 46 days - a year-on-year increase of three days, but a couple of days better than the last survey for February.

Companies in the transport and communications industry are the slowest payers, at 50 days. Next worst payers are found in manufacturing and mining, at 48 days to settle bills.

The promptest payers are companies in the finance, insurance and real estate industries, at 41 days.

- NZPA