Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay has announced that a landmark agreement between New Zealand and Singapore on essential supplies is now in force.
The Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies (AOTES) was signed in Singapore on the 4th of May 2026, and witnessed by the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Chris Luxon, and the Prime Minister of Singapore, Lawrence Wong.
“As conflict in the Middle East escalates, AOTES strengthens supply chain resilience and helps ensure the continued flow of essential goods when supply chains come under pressure,” said McClay.
Under the agreement, Singapore has guaranteed to supply New Zealand with fuel, medicines and chemicals. In return, New Zealand has guaranteed to supply food, creating certainty for businesses and citizens of both countries.
McClay added that the AOTES agreement reflected the long-standing and complementary relationship between the economies and the depth of the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
“This world-first agreement reinforces New Zealand’s and Singapore’s commitment to open, rules-based trade and supports the resilience of the supply chains that our businesses rely on every day.”
Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, Hon Gan Kim Yong, was also present at the ceremony.
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