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New Zealand’s liberal approach to international trade has seen the small country pursue Free Trade Agreements (FTA) and Closer Economic Partnerships with key trading partners worldwide. Its thriving export market totaled NZD$79.8 billion in June 2018.
The country’s determination to reduce trade barriers for business, both at home and abroad, make it a powerful trader for its size and location. As emerging powers compete for global economic prominence, New Zealand is reaching out beyond its main trading partners to secure trade deals in Latin America and other corners of the world.
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Read on to find out more about the status of New Zealand’s prominent trade relationships, and the benefits of getting amongst the action as an investor.
A country highly dependent on international trade
New Zealand’s isolation has fostered an economy heavily reliant on international trade. New Zealand exported nearly $80 billion and imported $76.1 billion worth of goods and services in the year ending June 2018.
The multicultural economy is based on a powerful agricultural sector, specializing in quality dairy, meats, animal by-products, fruit, and wood. Other top exports include beverages, spirits, vinegar, cereal, seafood, machinery and aluminium. Due to its size, New Zealand’s global competitive edge comes from delivering quality goods, as opposed to the lowest priced.
The island maintains the world’s fourth largest Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which has great influence over its economy. Most of its imports and exports pass through the marine environment. The country sports strong marine-freight infrastructure as a result.
New Zealand’s dependence on international trade makes it an eager competitor for foreign investment. Its market is highly responsive to foreign investment, and its relaxed entry makes it one of the best places in the world to start a business.
New Zealand’s current trade agreements and relationships reflect the country’s main trading interests, with most deals being made with Asian economies. However, other emerging global powers are encouraging New Zealand to look increasingly further afield. This shift from an Asia-centric focus offers great investment prospects for local and foreign businesses alike.
Free Trade Agreements: proactive in reducing trade barriers
Besides Australia, New Zealand’s aggressive self-promotion to Asian economies has secured trade deals and partnerships with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), plus China, Singapore, Thailand, Korea, and Malaysia.
New Zealand also secured its piece of the pie in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement. Collectively, these trade deals span eleven countries whose economies represent a combined total of 13.4 percent of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The CPTPP is particularly groundbreaking, in that its large membership make it the third largest free trading area in the world. The CPTPP signatories are Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam. The United States, United Kingdom, and Colombia are among those flagged as future potential signatories to the CPTPP.
Latin America trade: Negotiating an agreement with the Pacific Alliance
New Zealand is currently negotiating an FTA with the Pacific Alliance. Established in 2011, the Alliance is made up of Latin American regional powers Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru.
In Latin America and the Caribbean, these countries collectively represent 38% of regional GDP and 50% of total trade. Together they attract 45% of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The Pacific Alliance is the eighth greatest economic power in the world. With this FTA, countries actively promote free trade and deep integration among themselves. And New Zealand is not the only country to have noticed the Alliance’s success and ongoing potential.
Negotiations between New Zealand and the Pacific Alliance launched at the 2017 Pacific Alliance Summit in Cali, Colombia. New Zealand has a long-standing relationship with the Alliance and its members.
New Zealand’s objectives for the FTA include
- building on existing agreements such as the CPTPP
- establishing a comprehensive first free trade agreement with Colombia
- demonstrating progressive attitudes towards open trade while the Government develops a Trade for All agenda.
What will this mean for doing business with New Zealand?
New Zealand’s economy is strong, and the government is working hard to ensure its longevity. New Zealand has seen positive economic growth for 33 of the past 35 years. Like its Australian neighbor, the country remained insulated from the 2008 financial crisis. This demonstrates its power and the benefits of its geographical differences compared with other major trading powers.
As New Zealand breaks down barriers to trade in Latin America (and other regions), setting up a business in New Zealand is becoming more advantageous than ever. New Zealand’s current FTAs, and its negotiations for further agreements will give the country an expansive reach into markets across the globe.
Its dominating export-and-import economy, powerful freighting infrastructure, and responsiveness to new businesses make it easy for investors to establish themselves in a diverse range of sectors.
Trade relations are strengthening as New Zealand seeks alternative trading opportunities with emerging powers in Latin America. New Zealand’s move into Latin American markets opens up two-way opportunities for growth and innovation in agriculture, food production, and other industries.
Let Biz Latin Hub help you get started
New Zealand’s hive of export and import activity make it one of the most attractive markets in the world for investors. With a multicultural population, opportunities for new businesses are plentiful and incredibly diverse.
At Biz Latin Hub, we can help you navigate the market entry process for doing business with and in New Zealand. Our team of local and expatriate professionals offers a range of services for firms looking to expand into New Zealand, including company formation, due diligence, accounting, and recruitment.
To find out more, contact us today.
The information provided here within should not be construed as formal guidance or advice. Please consult a professional for your specific situation. Information provided is for informative purposes only and may not capture all pertinent laws, standards, and best practices. The regulatory landscape is continually evolving; information mentioned may be outdated and/or could undergo changes. The interpretations presented are not official. Some sections are based on the interpretations or views of relevant authorities, but we cannot ensure that these perspectives will be supported in all professional settings.
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