Red meat exports slump, thanks to China
Weaker pricing and demand from China continue to impact New Zealand red meat export earnings.
NZ exporters are among the first to benefit from the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) which took effect at the beginning of the new year.
Minister for Trade and Export Growth David Parker says the CPTPP provides NZ with trade agreements for the first time with three big economies -- Japan, Canada and Mexico. He says tariffs in those countries will start to reduce immediately, giving a further boost to the competitiveness of NZ products in those markets.
“When Vietnam joins the agreement on January 14, 2019 it will make an immediate double tariff cut to catch up. Japan’s second tariff cut will take place three months later on April 1.
“The CPTPP has the potential to deliver an estimated $222 million of tariff savings to NZ exporters annually once it is fully in force, with almost half of that ($105m) now available in the first 12 months. This will benefit NZ workers and businesses from Kaitaia to Bluff.”
Parkers says Bay of Plenty, which produces 79% of NZ’s kiwifruit and is our largest producer of avocados, stands to gain as tariffs disappear immediately across the CPTPP region.
'A lot of interest and positive responses' appears to be the way farmers are viewing the Government's initiative to hold a series of woolshed meetings around the country.
A Southland farming leader wants the regional council to delay a proposed regional rates hike, much of which is intended to fund flood protection works.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) says access to personal banking services in rural communities is fundamental to promoting outcomes that benefit Kiwi consumers.
A group set up to boost education and promotion of wool says it has made positive strides during the first year of its three-year strategy.
Meat processor ANZCO Foods says despite a challenging business environment, it has posted a net profit before tax of $61 million for 2023.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
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