NZ business leaders urge US to review tariffs
New Zealand’s top business leaders are urging the US Administration to review “unjustified and discriminatory tariffs” imposed on Kiwi exporters.
Fonterra is welcoming the Government's move to lift restrictions on trade with Iran, a key butter partner.
This follows the elimination of UN sanctions this month.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it has started the process of updating its regulations and removing the UN sanctions, which it expects to complete next month.
"Iran is a valuable trading partner and a key butter market for Fonterra," says Fonterra's managing director of global ingredients, Kelvin Wickham.
"The removal of the UN sanctions, and our Government's unwinding of restrictions, will only improve the outlook for us in Iran."
With a population of nearly 80 million and long-standing customer relationships in Iran, Fonterra expected continued growth in the market.
"Our customers in Iran are growing, and we're seeing them make significant investments in infrastructure and capacity to meet demand," says Wickham.
"We have skilled people in the region who understand the opportunities and potential of doing business in Iran, and who welcome more normalised trade relations."
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) says access to reliable irrigation water is essential for a thriving horticultural sector.
The drought in western parts of the North Island is reaching crisis point with many farmers from Northland to Taranaki having to truck in water and feed for their stock at great expense.
The chair of New Zealand's biggest grower, packer and exporter of apples says it's been a bumper season.
The Commerce Commission's move to investigate commitments made by major banks under the Net Zero Banking Alliance is being hailed by farming leaders.
Horticultural prices are set to remain elevated this year, reflecting the balance between demand in key export markets and an increase in supply.
The drought breaking rain in Northland was greeted with much joy and delight by the more than 200 people who turned out last week for a field day at the farm of Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust near the east coast settlement of Whangaruru, about 70km from Whangarei.