$2b boost in NZ exports to EU
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is off to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for high-level talks with Emirati leaders.
He will also witness the signing of the New Zealand-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Negotiations concluded on the free trade agreement in September last year and the deal has been largely welcomed by the agriculture sector.
Currently, two-way trade between New Zealand and the UAE is valued at NZ$1.3 billion. From day one of the agreement, duties will be eliminated on 98.5% of New Zealand’s exports to the UAE.
Luxon says the UAE is a trusted partner for New Zealand.
“I look forward to celebrating the growth in our bilateral relationship, including the signature of our first-class trade deal,” he says.
Luxon says the agreement provides a springboard for New Zealand companies to engage with the UAE’s market, offering opportunities to increase trade and investment flows.
“This is all part of the work we are doing to achieve our goal of doubling the value of our exports in ten years,” he says.
With the current situation in the European farm machinery market being described as difficult at best, it’s perhaps no surprise that the upcoming AgriSIMA 2026 agricultural machinery exhibition, scheduled for February 2026 at Paris-Nord Villepinte, has been cancelled.
The Meat Industry Association of New Zealand (MIA) has launched the first in-market activation of the refreshed Taste Pure Nature country-of-origin brand with an exclusive pop-up restaurant experience in Shanghai.
Jayna Wadsworth, daughter of the late New Zealand wicketkeeper Ken Wadsworth, has launched an auction of cricket memorabilia to raise funds for I Am Hope's youth mental health work.
As we move into the 2025/26 growing season, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that the third quarter results for the year to date is showing that the stagnated tractor market of the last 18 months is showing signs of recovery.
DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown is urging dairy farmers to participate in the 2026 Levy vote, to be held early next year.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling for nominations for director roles in the Eastern North Island and Southern South Island electoral districts.

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