As the repercussions of international politics on trade continue to feature in the media, it can be difficult to decipher how they will affect us. 

A new report by the NZIER sheds light on the confusion caused by all the political upheavals and fake news going on in the world, with some clear, inbiased facts. See below for the highlights and video...

Happy exporting.

Catherine Beard

027 463 3212 or cbeard@exportnz.org.nz

In this month's Trade Update: Japan and the EU have reached an agreement on a FTA. This is probably the biggest FTA ever concluded, but it ups the stakes on TPP 11, and there could be very negative consequences for New Zealand exporters if TPP 11 does not happen.

Also, There has been considerable discussion in the media about a rapid New Zealand or US or Australian FTA with the UK. President Trump seems particularly upbeat. We advise caution. More...

A newly released NZIER report gives the facts on what trade means for New Zealand in this time of global political change. 

The data indicates that in a world where free trade was the norm, New Zealand's GDP would be $18 billion higher, with an additional 62,000 jobs.

It's important for all political parties to be united behind an ambitious free trade agenda, because the benefits to New Zealand are overwhelmingly positive.

This 2 min video, The Benefits of Trade, shows what New Zealand's export sector accounts for - including nearly three quarters of a million jobs. Please circulate this video to your contacts to ensure a better informed factual debate on the value of trade!

Watch video here-->

You can read the full report here.

What do you want to ask MPs and the Prime Minister prior to the election?

On Wednesday 23 August you'll get the chance to ask questions and hear what politicians are offering for business and the economy.

MPs, Ministers and party spokespeople will outline their policies on business at the Deloitte-BusinessNZ Election Conference from 9am-5:30pm at Te Papa, Wellington.

The Prime Minister gets the final guest spot before we end the session with refreshments and mingling

You can secure your spot at this unique event here.

To find out more, contact Katharine McGhie on (04) 496 6285 or kmcghie@businessnz.org.nz.

Thinking of exploring opportunities in Romania? The FRD Center has shared some of its most recent demo Sector Reports and Market Analyses, including...

• The Romanian Agricultural Machinery Market 
• Trade and Investment Opportunities in Romania 
• The Romanian Market of Medical Devices and Equipment 
• Animal Farms, Dairy and Meat Processing in Romania 

as well as other free sector briefs on Foods, Green energies, BPO sector, Medical devices, Automotive etc here...

Did you know that Customs has a joint border management system with China, and it has sped up the passage of goods significantly?

Customs recently won the Excellence in Regulatory Systems category for its Joint Electronic Verification System (JEVS), a technology solution which transformed the border clearance system for New Zealand exports in China.

Customs Minister Tim Macindoe says the system has not only improved our border and trading relationship with China, but it has also provided increased assurance to New Zealand exporters.

“With most NZ exports to China being perishable goods, trade barriers have a significant effect on their access to market.” More...

The premier event for public sector procurement managers is happening on 29 - 31 August 2017 at the Wharewaka Function Centre, Wellington. Industry experts will be addressing key challenges facing public sector procurement managers, including:

• Achieving economic, social & environmental sustainable procurement outcomes
• Dealing with innovation in public sector purchasing 
• Cultivating commerciality to enable best practice
• Implementing better contract management approaches 
• Improving supplier management
• Considering whole of life value to maximize ROI

Get 15% off tickets this week only - contact Nico Gibson at Quest Events, phone +61 (0)2 8188 7534 or Mobile +61 (0)4 1216 3350 or email nicolasg@questevents.com.au

The Food & Beverage Market Access Roadshow held by ExportNZ recently in Tauranga shared some really handy video resources for F&B exporters...

• What is a non-tariff barrier?-->       
• Helping exporters overcome non-tariff barriers--> 
• Case study 1
• Case study 2

Also, you can register here to receive alerts on ‘Technical Barriers to Trade’.

A new report from the University of Waikato shows the new varieties breeding programme for kiwifruit, supported by the New Zealand government for many years, has been a major contributor to the NZ economy. It shows kiwifruit’s contribution to New Zealand GDP is set to increase from $2.6 billion in 2015/16 to $6.14 billion in 2030, with an additional 29,000 New Zealand jobs, driven by the new cultivar Zespri SunGold.

Read the full report here...

Fonterra Global Foodservice has taken out the supreme award for the 2017 Air New Zealand Cargo ExportNZ Awards for Auckland and Waikato regions.

Judges were impressed with the $1.6 billion foodservice business (which is 80% exports) and growing at around 20% per annum, returning strong margins and true added value to the dairy industry and New Zealand. In tonight’s awards, it also won the Westpac Exporter of the Year (export revenue over $25 million) category.

Seven category winners were announced from 24 finalists at the awards evening held in Auckland. Here are the 2017 winners for the Air New Zealand Cargo ExportNZ Awards...

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.