New Zealand celebrates 12 months free trade with the UK.
The Government is encouraging businesses to take advantage of the reduced tariff rates under our free trade agreement with the United Kingdom (UK). The UK is now our fastest growing export market, said Trade Minister Todd McClay.
The deal entered into force one year ago today. The Trade Minister met with UK High Commissioner, Her Excellency Ms Iona Thomas to celebrate the occasion.
As a result of the FTA New Zealand’s exports to the UK have grown by a significant 19 percent in the last year, 84 percent of which were imported duty free.
“Our high-quality wine, red meat, dairy, honey, and apples have driven UK demand for Kiwi produce,” said McClay.
“New Zealand exported an additional $30.9 million of dairy, and $3.7 million of honey products under reduced tariffs to the UK last year.
"The agreement also levels the playing field for innovative New Zealand businesses in areas like agritech and computer software, with the value of Kiwi services exports to the UK rebounding from $942 million in 2022 to $1.43 billion in 2023.
“Work continues to streamline export processes and ensure the further 23 per cent of kiwi businesses are utilising the reduced tariff rates.
“Already we’ve agreed to remove paper export certificates for sheep meat, which will save exporters considerable time and administration costs. We will build on this to deliver more paperless trade wins,” McClay concluded.
Leveraging the agreement, is an important tool in this Government’s plan to rebuild our economy, lower the cost of living and provide the quality public services New Zealanders expect.
Business Guidance
You can:
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- find practical information on how to use the free trade agreement
- get advice on how to export on great.gov.uk
- learn more about rules of origin
- find the relevant duty rates and commodity codes for your goods in our check duties and customs procedures for exporting goods and trade tariff tools
More news here.
