Articles tagged with Trade
New Zealand Exporters Gain Big as India FTA Boosts Trade Before Launch
17 hours ago | 52 viewsNew Zealand exporters are experiencing significant growth in India ahead of the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) coming into force, with export volumes rising due to increased demand for high-quality products like apples and kiwifruit. The FTA will immediately eliminate tariffs on 57% of exports, providing substantial financial benefits to growers and expanding opportunities in forestry, wool, wine, services, and tourism sectors. Trade Minister Todd McClay emphasizes that early exporter engagement and timely ratification of the FTA will enhance access and boost New Zealand’s trade success with India.
Tags: Todd McClay New Zealand India Free Trade Agreement apples kiwifruit Matariki Forests Air New Zealand Air India wineHistoric Visit: Indian PM Narendra Modi to Boost New Zealand-India Trade and Ties
3 days ago | 74 viewsIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his first official visit to New Zealand in 40 years, marking a historic moment in bilateral relations, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced. The visit aims to strengthen ties through discussions on trade, investment, maritime security, education, technology, and other areas, building on the recently signed New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement that will boost exports and economic growth. This visit also celebrates the strong people-to-people connections between the two countries, with a significant Kiwi-Indian community contributing across various sectors.
Tags: Narendra Modi Christopher Luxon India New Zealand Free Trade Agreement Indian Prime Minister trade economic growthNew Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement Passes First Reading Boosting Exports
1 week ago | 170 viewsLegislation for the New Zealand–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has passed its first reading, aiming to reduce or eliminate tariffs on 95% of New Zealand exports to India, unlocking significant market opportunities. India’s rapidly growing economy presents major potential for New Zealand businesses, with 57% of exports becoming tariff-free immediately and protections secured for key sectors like wine and services. The Bill will undergo public consultation before expected ratification later this year, supporting the government’s goal to double export value by 2034.
Tags: New Zealand India Free Trade Agreement Todd McClay Trade and Investment Minister G20 exports tariffs Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade CommitteeNew Anti-Scam Measures Protect Kiwis and Businesses from Online Fraud
3 weeks ago | 257 viewsThe Anti-Scam Alliance in New Zealand has launched new initiatives, including expanding the banking sector's "Confirmation of Payee" system and introducing the New Zealand Online Scams Code, to better protect people and businesses from scammers. This collaborative effort involves telcos, digital platforms, banks, government, and consumer groups working together to block scam content and prevent fraud, building on successful pilot programs that saved millions in losses. These measures complement legal changes and aim to create a safer online environment, giving New Zealanders greater confidence to engage in digital transactions without fear.
Tags: Cameron Brewer New Zealand Commerce and Consumer Affairs Confirmation of Payee Google Meta TikTok Trade Me Fair Trading ActNew Zealand and France to Hold Annual Ministerial Meetings to Boost Trade and Investment
1 month ago | 283 viewsMinister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay and French Minister Nicolas Forissier agreed to establish annual ministerial meetings to strengthen New Zealand-France trade, investment, and business collaboration. This initiative builds on the New Zealand-European Union Free Trade Agreement, which enhances opportunities for exporters and opens new pathways for engagement across sectors like technology, aviation, and agri-tech. The regular dialogue aims to create partnerships and growth by leveraging France's strengths and New Zealand's ambitions within a strong, rules-based trade framework.
Tags: Todd McClay Nicolas Forissier New Zealand France OECD trade investment bilateral meetings economic growthNew Zealand Doubles Trades Academy Places to 20,000 Boosting Vocational Education
1 month ago | 317 viewsThe New Zealand Government is doubling trades academy places from 10,000 to 20,000 with a $69 million investment to provide more young people with practical skills and industry experience while still at school. Additionally, $15 million is allocated to Industry Skills Boards to develop new vocational subjects integrated into the national qualification system, ensuring alignment with industry needs. These initiatives aim to elevate vocational pathways to the same status as other educational routes, offering diverse opportunities for youth to succeed in skilled careers.
Tags: New Zealand Nicola Willis Erica Stanford trades academy vocational education Budget 2026 Industry Skills Boards apprenticeships qualifications reforms vocational pathwaysNZ Trade Minister McClay Leads Key UK FTA Meeting and OECD Council Talks
1 month ago | 346 viewsTrade and Investment Minister Todd McClay is visiting the UK to co-chair the NZ-UK FTA Trade Committee meeting and Paris to vice-chair the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting, marking the third anniversary of the NZ-UK Free Trade Agreement, which has boosted two-way trade to a record $7.4 billion in 2025. New Zealand exports to the UK have surged by 75% over three years, driven by strong demand for premium products, with significant growth in meat and business services exports. During his visits, McClay will engage with international counterparts to discuss trade progress, cross-border investment, and strengthen relationships that support New Zealand jobs and economic opportunities.
Tags: Todd McClay Peter Kyle Chris Bryant New Zealand United Kingdom OECD trade investment business servicesBudget 2026 Invests $2.1B to Boost NZ Secondary Education and Vocational Training
1 month ago | 320 viewsBudget 2026 allocates approximately $2.1 billion to enhance New Zealand's education system, focusing on secondary education reform, vocational pathways, and curriculum development, including $61 million for curriculum resources and $20 million for teacher professional development. Significant investments include $15 million for Industry Skills Boards to create new vocational subjects, $69 million to expand Trades Academies, and $90 million to support NZQA’s qualification reforms with modern digital systems. Additional funding addresses learning support needs, school property growth, and operational grants, while reallocating $65 million from underperforming initiatives to priority areas, continuing efforts to raise achievement and close equity gaps.
Tags: Erica Stanford New Zealand Budget 2026 Education NZQA Teaching the Basics Brilliantly Trades Academies Industry Skills Boards Te Marautanga o Aotearoa Kaupapa Māori EducationSri Lankan Foreign Minister Visits NZ to Boost Trade, Open New High Commission
1 month ago | 274 viewsSri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath visited New Zealand for the first time since 2014, marking a milestone with the opening of the Sri Lankan High Commission in Wellington and strengthening bilateral ties. During the visit, both countries discussed enhancing cooperation in trade, education, sport, and announced plans to negotiate a bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA) to boost economic engagement. New Zealand officials emphasized that the TIFA will unlock new opportunities for exporters, support trade diversification, and contribute to New Zealand’s goal of doubling export value within ten years.
Tags: Winston Peters Vijitha Herath Todd McClay Sri Lanka New Zealand Foreign Minister Trade and Investment TIFA High Commission Bilateral RelationsNZ Trade Minister Todd McClay to Lead Key Talks at APEC Summit in China
1 month ago | 381 viewsMinister 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.
Tags: Todd McClay Minister for Trade and Investment China New Zealand APEC Free Trade Agreement trade talks supply chains economic partnershipNew Zealand Imposes New Sanctions Targeting Russian Cyber Actors and Supporters
2 months ago | 419 viewsNew Zealand has announced its 35th round of sanctions targeting 20 individuals and entities supporting Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine, including those involved in cybercrime, propaganda, and military support. The sanctions also address an alternative payment provider facilitating sanctions evasion and actors from the DPRK and Iran aiding Russia’s military-industrial complex. Since March 2022, New Zealand has sanctioned over 2000 targets and continues to implement measures to counter Russia’s aggression.
Tags: Winston Peters Russia Ukraine New Zealand Kremlin DPRK Iran cybercrime sanctions Ministry of Foreign Affairs and TradeAmbassador Clare Kelly Appointed Chair of WTO General Council, Boosting NZ Trade Impact
2 months ago | 459 viewsTrade 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.
Tags: Todd McClay Clare Kelly World Trade Organisation WTO Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel New Zealand Geneva Trade and Investment Minister Ambassador Ministry of Foreign Affairs and TradeCosta Rica Joins CPTPP: New Zealand Gains Duty-Free Access and Trade Benefits
2 months ago | 547 viewsTrade 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.
Tags: Todd McClay Costa Rica New Zealand CPTPP Trade Minister United Kingdom Australia Canada Japan MalaysiaNew Zealand and Singapore Sign Landmark Agreement to Secure Essential Goods Trade
2 months ago | 432 viewsNew 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.
Tags: Christopher Luxon Lawrence Wong Todd McClay New Zealand Singapore AOTES supply chain resilience trade agreement essential goods export restrictionsKiwi Exports to EU Surge $3 Billion in Two Years Boosting NZ Economy
2 months ago | 404 viewsKiwi 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.
Tags: Todd McClay New Zealand European Union Free Trade Agreement Kiwi exports trade economy dairy meat tourism