The Government has cleared the path for Kiwi exporters by reducing trade barriers affecting approximately NZD 600 million worth of exports, so businesses can compete, grow, and create jobs.
Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis said Non-Tariff Barriers, such as complex labelling rules, certification costs, or quotas, slow growth.
Reducing these barriers returns significant value to exporters, supports the one in four Kiwi jobs tied to trade, and puts more money into the back pockets of thousands of hard-working New Zealanders.
“Market access, predictable trade rules and investment certainty are all crucial to business confidence and growing a strong economy,” said Willis.
“We’re seeing that confidence build with the latest ANZ Business Outlook at an 11-year high. Firms are reporting stronger recent performance and improving employment outlooks. This is the kind of momentum we want to back with practical action.”
Key examples of actions to free up trade in the last year include:
- Unlocking access to China’s NZD 200 million cosmetics and skincare market, removing a long-standing regulatory barrier and opening new channels for New Zealand exporters.
- Signing and implementing a deer velvet arrangement with China, providing market growth worth NZD 64.5 million in the year to December 2024.
- Working with New Zealand exporters and Mexican authorities to facilitate the flow of New Zealand goods through its ports.
- Expanding access for New Zealand dairy products and blueberries to Korea worth NZD 5 to NZD 10 million, and NZD 5 million, respectively.
Willis added that this update to the Going for Growth Global Trade and Investment Pillar sets out the following steps to support businesses, drive export growth, expand market access, and attract investment, giving exporters the certainty and footing they need to scale globally.
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay also mentioned that backing Kiwi exporters with practical action will remove barriers to trade and open doors to new partners.
“Every NTB resolved moves us closer to our goal of doubling the value of exports in 10 years. Exports have exceeded NZD 100 billion for the first time in our history, with food and fibre contributing a record NZD 60 billion,” he said.
“Since coming to government, we have concluded, signed, and entered into force the NZ–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, completed negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council, launched Free Trade Agreement negotiations with India, and completed 17 trade missions, unlocking more than NZD two billion in potential export value.”
McClay added that New Zealand is a trading nation and when exporters do well, New Zealand does well.
“It is only through strong trade relationships and market access that we can support jobs, lift incomes and fund the public services New Zealanders rely on.”
More local FMCG news here
