NZ exports to EU surge by $3b under free trade deal, says Government
New Zealand exports to the European Union have surged by $3 billion in two years under the New Zealand-European Union Free Trade Agreement.
New Zealand infant formula exports to China have been given a boost with the launch last week of a new pilot project to test products here instead of there.
In a world-wide first for dairy products, Chinese Government-owned China Certification and Inspection Group (CCIC) has selected NuZtri to take part in the test trial.
NuZtri says the trial will allow its dairy products to be tested in New Zealand by an accredited laboratory so that they get automatic entry across the Chinese border without any further testing.
“This will allow shipments of NuZtri dairy products to China in the certain knowledge that the products will move quickly through the Chinese border,” the company says.
“All dairy exporters currently face substantial risks with testing at the Chinese border. Often the same tests carried out in China result in a different outcome from tests done in New Zealand laboratories. “
Over time the hope is that all New Zealand dairy companies meeting these requirements will be awarded this special privilege of testing products here.
Last week the agreement signing ceremony between Nuztri (Best Health Products Ltd) and CICC was held in Christchurch.
NuZtri says the New Zealand infant formula sector has suffered much in the last few years due to the Fonterra whey protein issue and the new regulations for entering the Chinese market.
“With only nine factories now having been approved to export infant formula to China, the production volume has dropped significantly. Meanwhile, Ireland has successfully boosted its share of the Chinese infant formula market to 9% from 0% in just a few years,” it says.
More than 1200 exhibitors will showcase their products and services at next month’s National Fieldays, with sites nearly sold out.
Despite difficult trading conditions for European machinery manufacturers brought about conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, alongside the United States imposing punitive tariffs, Italian manufacturer Maschio Gaspardo, has seen turnover increase 12% in 2025 to €390 million (NZ$775m) with a net profit of €11.2 million (NZ$22.3).
New Zealand innovation company Techion, best known for its animal diagnostics platform, FECPAK has signed an exclusive strategic partnership with Farmlands to bring independent animal health disease intelligence to its customers.
Zespri says it welcomes the recently signed Western Bay of Plenty Regional Deal, describing it as an important step towards supporting growth in the region and for New Zealand's kiwifruit industry.
Troubled milk processor Synlait has lost its third chief executive in five years.
Westgold butter has been named New Zealand's tastiest in a blind tasting conducted by Consumer New Zealand.
OPINION: Reckless action by Greenpeace in 2024 forced Fonterra to shut down a drying plant for four hours, costing the co-op…
OPINION: The global crusade against fossil fuel is gaining momentum in some regions.