Export to New Zealand

The foundation of New Zealand’s economy is exporting agricultural products such as dairy products, meat, forest products, fruit and vegetables, and wine. High international commodity prices, particularly for protein will continued to help New Zealand’s economy through 2013 but farm incomes are falling as a result of the 2012/2013 summer drought – the worst in 70 years. Domestically, the Canterbury rebuild is expected to be the main driver of growth in 2013. The New Zealand Treasury estimates the damage from the Christchurch earthquakes at around NZ$40 billion, much of which is covered by private insurance (re-insured through overseas insurances companies). Opportunities exist for export technologies and products that reduce cost, increase productivity, and wring more value from supply chains. In addition, a continuous drive to remain globally-competitive with a relatively-small manufacturing sector should drive prospects for productivity-enhancing products such as information technology and manufactured goods.

Market Opportunities
Exporters are advised to monitor exchange rates and New Zealand’s demand for price-competitive technologies that support economic sustainability. The importance of the agricultural sector to New Zealand’s export economy will maintain demand for innovative, agricultural equipment. An imminent construction boom led by the Christchurch rebuild is also a source of numerous opportunities.