Value of country’s exports to EU are up more than NZ$30bn following the FTA’s signing
The value of the New Zealand-European Union Free Trade Agreement for New Zealand’s fresh produce exporters has been revealed on the second anniversary of the agreement.
According to a release from the New Zealand government, the FTA has facilitated an extra NZ$3bn (€1.51bn) in exports since it entered into force.
The country’s fresh produce industry has been one of the beneficiaries, with New Zealand fruit and vegetable exports to the EU up 29.3 per cent to NZ$1.36bn (€680mn), including NZ$1.2bn of kiwifruit.
“On the agreement’s second anniversary, New Zealand exporters have now chalked up an extra NZ$3bn in sales. This growth has significantly exceeded forecasts and expectations and shows what’s possible when we back our exporters and open new doors,” said New Zealand trade and investment minister Todd McClay.
“Because the FTA entered into force early, our exporters got an immediate head start with tariff cuts and better access into what is now our fastest-growing major market.
“It means the world is choosing more of the high-quality food, fibre and products our farmers, growers and businesses are known for.”
