Port of Tauranga said it was addressing a drop in imports through its port during the recession, and signalling a similar annual profit to last year after reporting a two percent rise in interim profit.

The port reported a net profit of US$16 million in the six months to December 31, up from $15.62 million in the same period last year, the New Zealand Press Association reported.

Revenue fell nine percent to $46.48 million.

Tonnage through the port fell five percent to 6.5 million tonnes while exports grew by 10 percent.