Friday, 15 November 2024 11:25

Boost for hort exports

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
Horticulture Minister Nicola Grigg. Horticulture Minister Nicola Grigg.

The horticulture sector is a big winner from recent free trade deals sealed with the Gulf states, says Associate Agriculture Minister Nicola Grigg.

Grigg says the free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement signed with the United Arab Emirates (UAE CEPA) are set to boost hort exports.

In a letter to HortNZ this week, Grigg noted that both the United Arab Emirates and the wider GCC region are becoming increasingly competitive markets, but New Zealand horticulture exporters can rest assured that tariff free access has been secured.

Horticulture is a key export to the UAE, exporting $44 million in the year to June 2024.Hort exports to GCC amount to $72m annually.

Grigg says the deals will make doing business easier with preferential access for primary sector exporters, streamlined customs processes, and reduced trade barriers. 

“As with the UAE CEPA, the GCC FTA will lock in existing tariff free access, with eventual elimination of tariffs on all other horticulture exports to the region. Peas and sweetcorn for example, worth over $2 million in trade combined to the GCC, will see the 5% tariff removed over the next five years.  

“New Zealand will have duty-free access for all horticultural products by year ten, with tariffs removed on 92% of horticultural trade on entry into force. This agreement complements the UAE CEPA and represents an important milestone in the Government’s efforts to grow our international connections and double exports by value in ten years.”


 Read More


More like this

Eating more fruit and veg 'helps the economy'

A new international study serves as a stark warning for New Zealanders: our health and wellbeing are in our hands, and increasing our intake of fruit and vegetables is a key step to reducing the pressure on our healthcare system.

HortNZ supports new water storage plan

Horticulture New Zealand has welcomed the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s decision to advance plans for a new water storage facility on the Heretaunga Plains.

Featured

Being a rural vet is ‘fantastic’

Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) awards.

Editorial: Long overdue!

OPINION: The Government's latest move to make freshwater farm plans more practical and affordable is welcome, and long overdue.

National

Machinery & Products

Yamaha acquires Robotics Plus

New Zealand based company Robotics Plus, a specialist in agricultural automation, has announced an agreement for it to be acquired…

Ecorobotix announces NZ dealership

Swiss-based Ecorobotix has announced its entry into the New Zealand market through a strategic partnership with Canterbury-based New Zealand Tractors.

Sorting unwashed potatoes made easy

Downs, a leader in potato reception, automated sorting, and storage, has introduced its new high-throughput optical sorter for unwashed potatoes…

Jumbo X saves time and money

A winner of a prestigious ‘Technical Innovations 2024’ award by FederUnacoma at the EIMA show in Italy, the Maschio Jumbo…

NH unveils specialty tractor

New Holland recently showcased its new-generation T4.120 F specialty tractor, giving New Zealand customers a closer look at the winner…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Make it 1000%!

OPINION: The appendage swinging contest between the US and China continues, with China hitting back with a new rate of…

Own goal

OPINION: The irony of President Trump’s tariff obsession is that the worst damage may be done to his own people.

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter