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EU-New Zealand FTA: Our Briefing

Unlocking Opportunities: The EU-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement


Step into a world of possibilities as the EU-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement comes into effect. This landmark agreement promises new horizons for businesses, farmers, and consumers alike. Discover how it is set to reshape trade dynamics between two major economic players.


Executive Summary

The EU-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement is a game-changer, eliminating barriers and opening doors to enhanced trade opportunities. With the potential to boost EU exports by billions of euros annually and foster sustainable growth, this agreement signals a new era of collaboration and prosperity.


Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Background

3. Main Arguments

4. Conclusion and Recommendations

5. More Information and Links


Introduction

The EU-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement stands as a beacon of progress in a world where global trade plays a pivotal role in economic growth. This blog explores the agreement's transformative potential, shedding light on its implications for businesses, farmers, and consumers.


Background

Negotiations for the EU-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement commenced in June 2018, culminating in its conclusion on June 30, 2022. Signed by both parties on July 9, 2023, and subsequently adopted by the European Parliament and the Council, this agreement marks a significant milestone in strengthening trade relations between the EU and New Zealand.


The EU-New Zealand trade agreement Is LIVE!

- 🌏 The EU-New Zealand trade agreement is now in effect, offering 🆕 opportunities for EU exporters.

- 📉 EU companies stand to benefit from a reduction of €140 million annually in duties.

- 📈 Predictions suggest a potential growth of up to 30% in EU-New Zealand trade within a decade, with EU exports possibly increasing by up to €4.5 billion annually.

- 💼 EU investment into New Zealand could surge by as much as 80%.

- 🌱 The agreement includes unprecedented sustainability commitments, aligning with the Paris Climate Agreement and core labor rights.

- 🍽️ EU farmers will see tariffs eliminated on key exports such as pig meat, wine, chocolate, and biscuits.

- 🍷 The agreement protects nearly 2,000 EU wines and spirits names, along with 163 esteemed Geographical Indications.

- 🥩 Sensitive agricultural products like beef, sheepmeat, and dairy are shielded through carefully crafted tariff rate quotas.

- 💰 EU businesses can leverage benefits such as zero tariffs on exports to New Zealand and simplified compliance procedures.

- ℹ️ Detailed guidance for EU exporters is available on the Commission's Access2Markets platform.

- 🤝 This trade agreement, which commenced negotiations in June 2018, marks a significant milestone in strengthening EU-New Zealand trade relations


Trade Booster

The EU-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement holds immense promise for fostering economic growth and prosperity on both sides. Firstly, the reduction of €140 million in annual duties will relieve EU companies, paving the way for increased competitiveness in the global market.


Growth Engine

the agreement is projected to stimulate substantial growth in EU-New Zealand trade, with exports potentially surging by up to €4.5 billion annually. This growth trajectory opens up a myriad of opportunities for businesses across various sectors, from agriculture to technology.


Protecting the Planet

Furthermore, the agreement prioritizes sustainability, aligning with the Paris Climate Agreement and core labour rights. By incorporating robust sustainability commitments, the EU and New Zealand demonstrate their shared dedication to building a greener, more equitable future.


EU Agriculture to benefit

Eliminating tariffs on key exports such as pig meat, wine, and chocolate increases market access and profitability for EU farmers. Additionally, protecting EU wines, spirits, and geographical indications safeguards the integrity of European products in the New Zealand market.


What are the key provisions?

The EU-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement aims to foster economic growth and strengthen bilateral relations through tariff removal, streamlined customs procedures, and adherence to international standards. Key elements include:

  • Tariff removal on goods exports, boosting market competitiveness in sectors like automotive, machinery, and agriculture.

  • Clear rules of origin to determine tariff preferences, reducing compliance costs for businesses, especially SMEs.

  • Addressing customs and trade facilitation, trade remedies, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, sustainable food systems, and animal welfare.

  • Provisions on investment liberalization, digital trade, intellectual property, and regulatory cooperation to facilitate trade and investment opportunities.

  • Dedicated chapters on Māori economic cooperation and dispute settlement mechanisms, promoting inclusive economic development and reinforcing mutual commitments.




What about the Customs Provisions in the New Zealand FTA with the EU?

The EU-NZ Free Trade Agreement's Customs Provisions aim to streamline customs procedures, enhancing transparency and efficiency for traders in both regions. By simplifying data and documentation requirements, allowing electronic submissions, and implementing single-window systems, the agreement seeks to expedite the release of goods from customs while reducing compliance costs. Find out more,


What about Rules of Origin?

The EU-NZ Free Trade Agreement introduces comprehensive rules of origin provisions to ensure that products significantly processed within either party can benefit from tariff preferences, fostering trade between the EU and New Zealand. We cover in our Rules of Origin Article:

- Simplified documentation and data requirements

- Facilitated release of goods from customs

- Reduced compliance costs for traders and SMEs

- Access to measures such as reduced documentation for customs declarations and deferred payment of duties

- Emphasis on transparency and fairness

- No mandatory requirement for customs brokers

- Clear guidelines for determining originating status of products

- Tolerance in non-originating materials under certain conditions

- Preferential tariff treatment based on proof of origin

- Waivers available for low-value shipments

- Promotion of economic growth and partnership between the EU and New Zealand


What if you have more questions

The EU-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) offers extensive FAQs covering a wide range of topics pertinent to the agreement's negotiation, implementation, and impact on various sectors and issues. These FAQs address queries related to the rationale behind the agreement, the size of the New Zealand market, trade volumes between the EU and New Zealand, sector-specific benefits, implications for agriculture, goods, and services trade, as well as sustainability measures, accountability, and transparency mechanisms. They also delve into the agreement's contributions to gender equality, climate change mitigation, workers' rights, environmental protection, and the safeguarding of governments' regulatory prerogatives.



Conclusions

The EU-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement marks a significant milestone in enhancing trade relations between two major economic players. With the potential to boost exports, stimulate economic growth, and promote sustainability, this agreement holds immense promise for businesses, farmers, and consumers. By eliminating barriers and fostering collaboration, it sets the stage for a more prosperous and interconnected future.


Recommendations

To fully capitalize on the opportunities presented by the EU-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, businesses are encouraged to:

1. Conduct thorough market research to identify potential export opportunities in New Zealand.

2. Ensure compliance with the agreement's provisions and regulations to facilitate smooth trade operations.

3. Leverage zero tariffs and streamlined compliance procedures to enhance competitiveness in the New Zealand market.

4. Explore avenues for collaboration and partnerships with New Zealand businesses to maximize mutual benefits.

5. Stay informed about updates and developments related to the agreement to adapt strategies accordingly and seize emerging opportunities.


More Information and Links

For more information on the EU-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement:

 

Find Answers to Frequently Asked Questions in the EU-New Zealand FTA

 

Briefing & Collection of Articles on the EU-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement.

 

Unlock the Secrets of the EU-New Zealand Trade Deal: A Concise Guide for Customs and FTA Aficionados!

 

Mastering Rules of Origin: A Guide for Customs Experts + Downloadable Rules of Origin

 

Understand the Customs Provisions in the EU-NZ Free Trade Agreement

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