Nimble New Zealand exporters finding opportunity amid shifting trade terms
Global trade wars and uncertain tariff regimes could play into the hands of many New Zealand exporters, according to Gareth Coleman ANZ’s Head of Trade & Supply Chain.
The Government has launched a plan aiming to boost primary sector export earnings by $44 billion over the next decade.
The Fit for a Better World plan launched today centres on three themes:
• Productivity: adding an additional $44 billion to export earnings over the next decade through a focus on value, rather than volume.
• Sustainability: improving freshwater and reducing biogenic methane emissions to 10% below 2017 levels by 2010 and 24-47% below by 2050.
• Inclusiveness: employing 10,000 more New Zealanders in the primary sector workforce over the next four years and 10% more New Zealanders in the food and fibre sector by 2030.
“The Fit for a Better World Roadmap spells out practical ways for the sector to fetch more value, create more jobs and bolster our green reputation in a global pandemic environment to ensure New Zealand builds back better, together,” said Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said the sector’s ability to record 4.5% growth in the past year, with forecast export growth of $48 billion despite COVID-19, highlighted demand for Kiwi products.
However, O’Connor said the industry can’t continue to rely on volume growth to generate greater returns.
“We need to create new billion-dollar, category-leading products services for consumers here and overseas, while respecting Te Taiao – the natural world.
“Our Fit for a Better World Roadmap builds on the work both primary industries and the Government have already started and brings together actions, investment, and resources that will work in concert to accelerate the transformation we need.”
Fonterra has unveiled the first refrigerated electric truck to deliver dairy products across Auckland.
Research and healthcare initiatives, leadership and dedication to the sector have been recognised in the 2025 Horticulture Industry Awards.
Virtual fencing and pasture management company Halter says its NZ operations has delivered a profit of $2.8 million after exclusion of notional items.
Manuka honey trader Comvita slumped to a $104 million net loss last financial year, reflecting prolonged market disruption, oversupply and pricing volatility.
The Government has struck a deal with New Zealand's poultry industry, agreeing how they will jointly prepare for and respond to exotic poultry diseases, including any possible outbreak of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI).
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.