If you haven't already started planning for 2018, now's a great time to do so. While no one's got a crystal ball, there are some expert insights that can help you make informed predictions and decisions. Chapman Tripp’s 2017 International Trade Trends & Insights publication is one such resource - check it out below. 

Our Trade Update this month gets to the nitty gritty of what really happened in Da Nang at the negotiations on what was known as the TPP, now CPTPP. Interesting reading!

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas, a well-earned rest, and even greater success in the New Year!

Catherine Beard

027 463 3212 or cbeard@exportnz.org.nz

In this month's Trade Update: more information is emerging on what went wrong in Da Nang at the negotiations on what was known as TPP. Canada raised several issues and there were some theatrics.

The new New Zealand Government’s concerns about aspects of the negotiation appear to have been accommodated. The Prime Minister and Minister Parker deserve congratulations for the pragmatism they have shown on this difficult matter. 

We also give you an update on the WTO, China FTA Upgrade, Singapore, and the EU. 

More...

Getting cut through in the international marketplace is a constant challenge for all businesses. It's a good reason to bring out our creative side and be as bold as our imaginations allow us! 

Here's a great video from Hills Hats for the launch of a new high fashion collection in collaboration with Bold Hat Makers, Goorin Bros.

The first installment of Uncharted is inspired by the mysteries and folklore of a life at sea and christened, Don’t Give Up the Ship.

Watch video->>

Chapman Tripp’s 2017 International Trade Trends & Insights publication has recently been launched. It looks at trends for trade law and policy in New Zealand, examines the major themes and identifies predictions for the year ahead.

New Zealand exporters need to be on top of what is happening within international trade policy – both the big trends and the detail.

This is important for medium-and long-term planning and for the operation of regional and global supply chains. The world is interconnected so New Zealand can be deeply affected by events in which we have no direct engagement. Some examples include: the tariff reduction on chilled beef, higher US tariffs on products from China, post-brexit arrangements will fix the level of market access New Zealand will have.

Check out the full report for some handy info that could help with your business planning.

See report here->>

American companies have seen improved sales performance in China over the last year, but full market access continues to be a challenge for many American companies, according to the US-China Business Council’s (USCBC) most recent annual member survey. 

These issues, combined with uncertainties about China’s policies toward foreign companies, are undermining American companies’ confidence in China’s market. More...

New Zealand’s standing on a global stage is in “excellent shape”, according to the author of an international reputation index.

Simon Anholt, the author of global perception survey, the 2017 Anholt-GfK Nation Brands Index (BNI), says the findings highlight New Zealand’s consistent ability to punch above its weight.

It’s not just New Zealand’s natural beauty that has offshore appeal; our strong governance, sound investment and thriving export sector are also admired afar, according to the index.

Says Anholt: “For a country with a small population and a relatively small economy, a tiny diaspora, and a mere handful of world-famous citizens, having the fourteenth most powerful national image on the planet is impressive.” More...

We live in a world that's changing very quickly as a result of ever-improving digital communication. This has profound implications for our food industry. We can expect substantial change over the next 5 – 10 years in the way food is selected, purchased and prepared, and we need to be ready for it.

This new booklet produced by the Riddet Institute, Fonteraa, ZESPRI adn the Lean Hub, arose from a meeting of industry thought leaders to discuss smart foods.

The meeting suggested a small group should formulate an action plan for New Zealand food organizations to exploit the digital revolution to develop smart food systems as part of the drive to add value to New Zealand’s food. The resultant booklet presents the outline of an action plan to address the issue.

Read booklet here->>

NZTE's Better by Design CEO Summit is back for 2018 at Auckland's Villa Maria Estate.

Hear from Facebook's Erick Tseng, Tim Brown of Allbirds, Carla Murphy of Icebreaker and other dynamic leaders as they explore how to build a truly customer-centred business – one that creates more desirable products and services, passionate customers, and a purposeful company culture.

Tickets will sell out, so book now to secure your spot at this exclusive event.

Learn more and book now->>

The latest BNZ Corporate FX Update predicts the New Zealand dollar will touch US66c some time next year.
"Underlying this projection is a sense this is as good as it gets for the global economic cycle," BNZ currency strategist Jason Wong says.

Exporters would have taken advantage of the recent fall in the dollar to top up some hedging, a sensible move.

Topping up hedging on further weakness seemed appropriate. Importers should take cover on any moves back above US70c, he said.

In 2017, world growth was on track to record its best year since 2011 but economic momentum from now started to flatten.

Reflecting that dynamic, New Zealand’s terms of trade reached a record high in the September quarter and were now expected to fall. There were already clear signs New Zealand export commodity prices were in a "topping out" phase.

The BNZ was projecting about 5% of down side to the index of New Zealand commodity prices.

"Global forces, such as world growth momentum, commodity prices and risk appetite therefore represent a headwind for the New Zealand dollar through the coming year, reducing the probability of the kiwi moving higher next year." More...

There are some great opportunities for improving your business through learnings at seminars, workshops and events.

To see what's coming up, go to the ExportNZ home page and scroll down to see what's happening around the country.

Missed an issue of The Exporter? Click here to access all previous issues in our Newsletter Archive.