Editorial: We are Trumped
OPINION: Nothing it seems can be done in the short term to get Donald Trump to change his mind about removing the unfair 15% tariffs that he’s imposed on New Zealand exports to the US.
Dairy, kiwifruit, apples, cherries and wine are among winners in the "spectacular" growth in exports to Chinese Taipei in the last two years, says Trade Minister Tim Groser.
New Zealand's goods and services exports to Chinese Taipei have increased in value by 22% from $987 million a year when the agreement came into force, to $1.5 billion in the year ended June 2015, he says.
The Economic Cooperation Agreement between New Zealand and the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu (ANZTEC) entered into force in December 2013.
"New Zealand exporters are reaping the benefits of preferential tariff access to Chinese Taipei," says Groser.
"As of June 2015, exports of New Zealand apples to Chinese Taipei are now worth $40 million, up by over 200% since June 2013. Apples previously had a tariff of 20%, which was eliminated on entry into force.
"There has also been significant improvement in cherry exports (up 150% since 2013) and kiwifruit exports (up 24%).
"Dairy exports, New Zealand's largest export to Chinese Taipei, have grown 21% in value since June 2013, and now total $350 million a year. The 10% tariff on milk power and 5% tariff on butter were eliminated on entry into force.
"Exports of New Zealand wine to Chinese Taipei have grown 56% to $1.3 million. The 10% tariff on non-sparkling wine and 20% tariff on sparkling wine were eliminated on entry-into-force.
"These early results are extremely encouraging and will build jobs and more opportunities, particularly in regional and provincial New Zealand, where the production of cherries, apples and kiwifruit – all of which recorded spectacular gains – are concentrated.
"These extremely positive early results gives us confidence that Free Trade Agreements, Closer Economic Partnership Agreements and broad, comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreements like this one are all steps towards a more prosperous New Zealand."
A landmark New Zealand trial has confirmed what many farmers have long suspected - that strategic spring nitrogen use not only boosts pasture growth but delivers measurable gains in lamb growth and ewe condition.
It was recently announced that former MP and Southland farmer Eric Roy has stepped down of New Zealand Pork after seven years. Leo Argent talks with Eric about his time at the organisation and what the future may hold.
It's critical that the horticulture sector works together as part of a goal to double the sector’s exports by 2035.
RaboResearch, the research arm of specialist agriculture industry banker Rabobank, sees positives for the Alliance Group in its proposed majority-stake sale to Ireland's Dawn Meats.
The ACT Party's call for a better deal on the Paris Agreement on climate change is being backed by farmer organisations.
A 50% tariff slapped by the US on goods from India last month has opened an opportunity for New Zealand wool carpets exports to North America.
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