20 May 2026
5 months ago
1014 views
Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay will visit China for bilateral trade talks, industry promotion, and the APEC Trade Ministers meeting, emphasizing the importance of China as a key trading partner under New Zealand's Free Trade Agreement. He aims to strengthen connections with major regional economies and address critical fuel supply chain disruptions to ensure smooth trade flows. APEC's 21 economies collectively account for over 70% of New Zealand's exports, 60% of global GDP, and 37% of the world’s population.
19 May 2026
5 months ago
1030 views
The Ministry for Primary Industries has released the terms of reference for a mandatory review of the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act (DIRA) to evaluate whether its competition provisions regulating Fonterra remain necessary and effective. The review will consider if these provisions should be retained, repealed, or amended, with findings due to Parliament by June 1, 2027, and will include two rounds of stakeholder consultation. DIRA was originally established to support Fonterra’s creation and regulate its market activities beyond general competition laws to ensure efficient dairy market operations in New Zealand.
15 May 2026
5 months ago
931 views
The New Zealand Government is strengthening the Plant Variety Rights Act 2022 to better protect investments in high-value horticulture, support growers, and boost export returns, particularly for kiwifruit and apples. Key changes include extending the PVR term by five years and restoring provisional protection to allow breeders immediate legal action against exploitation during the application process. These measures aim to encourage innovation, secure jobs, and enhance New Zealand’s competitiveness in global markets.
12 May 2026
5 months ago
1240 views
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced that Associate Agriculture Minister Mike Butterick will oversee the organics sector, water security and storage, the arable sector, Māori agribusiness, and catchment groups. Butterick, a sheep and beef farmer from Wairarapa, brings practical farming experience and will support efforts to reduce red tape and boost productivity in rural communities. Meanwhile, McClay has taken on responsibility for horticulture matters, strengthening the government’s focus on New Zealand’s primary sector.
07 May 2026
5 months ago
1083 views
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay has welcomed Ambassador Clare Kelly's appointment as Chair of the WTO General Council, marking only the second time a New Zealander has held this top position. Ms. Kelly, with extensive trade and foreign policy experience, will focus on advancing WTO reforms and extending the ban on tariffs for digital trade following disappointing outcomes at the 14th Ministerial Conference. She has served as New Zealand’s Ambassador to the WTO since 2022 and will hold the chair position for one year, succeeding Ambassador Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel.
06 May 2026
5 months ago
1150 views
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay welcomed Costa Rica’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), highlighting enhanced trade opportunities and significant tariff eliminations for New Zealand exports such as sheep meat, seafood, and dairy products. Costa Rica will become the 13th CPTPP member, with accession expected to take effect in the second half of 2027 following signing and ratification processes. The CPTPP strengthens rules-based trade and economic integration among member economies, which collectively represent over 15% of world GDP.
04 May 2026
5 months ago
1029 views
New Zealand and Singapore have signed the Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies (AOTES) to ensure the uninterrupted movement of critical goods like fuel and food by preventing export restrictions between the two nations. This world-first agreement, built on cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic, formalizes practical collaboration to enhance supply chain resilience amid global volatility. Incorporated into their existing Free Trade Agreement, AOTES reflects their commitment to reliable access to essential supplies during crises and strengthens their trusted partnership.
01 May 2026
5 months ago
968 views
Kiwi exports to the European Union have surged by $3 billion in two years following the New Zealand-EU Free Trade Agreement, boosting the economy and supporting jobs nationwide. Key export gains include significant increases in butter, meat, industrial goods, and tourism, with total goods exports up 35% to $6.7 billion and services exports up 11% to $2 billion in the year to December 2025. This growth exceeds expectations, strengthens regional economies, and reinforces the EU as a vital trading partner for New Zealand amid global uncertainty.
27 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1084 views
New Zealand and India have signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that eliminates or reduces tariffs on 95% of New Zealand’s exports, boosting job creation, economic growth, and export diversification. Key benefits include immediate duty-free access to major products like sheep meat, wool, seafood, and forestry exports, as well as significant tariff cuts on kiwifruit, wine, mānuka honey, and dairy, with many tariffs phased out over a period of up to ten years. The agreement also activates a parliamentary review process and includes a Most Favoured Nation clause, ensuring New Zealand exporters gain enhanced market access comparable to that of the European Union.
23 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1087 views
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay is traveling to New Delhi to sign the New Zealand–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which aims to enhance trade by eliminating or reducing tariffs on the majority of New Zealand exports, including key products like sheep meat, seafood, fruits, and industrial goods. This landmark agreement supports New Zealand's goal to double export value within 10 years by providing duty-free or reduced-tariff access to a wide range of products and services in one of the world's fastest-growing economies. Additionally, McClay will participate in Anzac Day commemorations and a joint business summit, while also promoting trade and investment activities in Singapore.
20 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1279 views
Legal verification of the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has been completed, with signing scheduled for 27 April in New Delhi, providing New Zealand unprecedented access to India's large and growing economy. The agreement eliminates or reduces tariffs on 95% of New Zealand exports, including immediate duty-free access to key products like sheep meat, wool, seafood, and forestry, while also offering significant tariff cuts on items such as kiwifruit, wine, and mānuka honey. Following signing, the FTA will undergo parliamentary examination and public scrutiny, ensuring transparency and enabling New Zealand to benefit from Most Favoured Nation status and expanded export opportunities across various sectors.
10 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1067 views
Farmers, growers, and rural communities in the North Island, Upper South Island, and Chatham Islands are urged to stay updated and prepare for Tropical Cyclone Vaianu, which is expected to bring heavy rain and damaging winds from Saturday to Monday. Agriculture and Rural Communities Ministers emphasize the importance of safety measures, including self-evacuation from rising waters and moving livestock to higher ground, while acknowledging the resilience of these communities amid ongoing recovery efforts. The Ministry for Primary Industries is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with local emergency groups, and support is available through the Rural Support Trust for those in need.
01 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1121 views
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay concluded his role as Vice Chair at the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference, where members agreed on the need to modernize the WTO despite failing to finalize reforms and extend the tariff ban on digital trade. Significant progress was made with 66 WTO members agreeing to implement a new Electronic Commerce Agreement, banning tariffs on digital trade flows and benefiting small businesses and exporters. McClay also engaged with international counterparts on critical fuel supply chains and continues to push for limiting fisheries and agricultural subsidies to improve exporters' returns.
31 Mar 2026
6 months ago
1048 views
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay announced a joint statement with Future of Investment and Trade (FIT) Partnership members to keep global supply chains open, transparent, and resilient amid disruptions like the Middle East conflict. The FIT partners committed to collaborating on identifying trade disruptions, exchanging information, and ensuring air and seaports remain open to facilitate uninterrupted trade. Established in 2025, the FIT Partnership unites small and medium-sized economies to shape global trade, with New Zealand hosting the next ministerial meeting in July.
31 Mar 2026
6 months ago
1175 views
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay announced a joint statement by Future of Investment and Trade (FIT) Partnership members to keep global supply chains open, transparent, and resilient amid disruptions like the Middle East conflict. The partners committed to collaborating on identifying trade disruptions, sharing information, and ensuring air and seaports remain open to facilitate unimpeded trade. New Zealand, hosting the next FIT Ministerial Meeting in July, leads this initiative to support small and medium-sized economies in shaping the future of global trade and investment.