Tuesday, 04 April 2017 13:55

Trade a priority — Editorial

Written by 
Trade and New Zealand’s position on it has been high on the agenda recently. Trade and New Zealand’s position on it has been high on the agenda recently.

Trade and New Zealand’s position on it has been high on the agenda recently.

In mid-March the Government announced a refresh of the country’s trade agenda to increase our exporters’ competitiveness -- the primary sector is a key player -- in an increasingly challenging global trading environment.

The US derailing of the TPP and its retreat to a more isolationist stance under the Trump administration, the UK Brexit and a host of non-tariff barriers imposed by countries around the world are just some of these challenges.

Meanwhile, last week’s visit to NZ by China’s Premier Li and a trade delegation emphasises the importance of NZ’s burgeoning trading alliance with the Asian tiger. News that we will soon begin talks on upgrading our free trade agreement (FTA) with China and the first trial shipments of chilled meat to that country is great for NZ’s primary sector and our wider economy.

There appears to be a growing mood among some politicians and commentators – those trying to cash in on the populism of the Trump and Brexit movements – that trade, especially freer world trade, is dubious. That is not only wrong, it is dangerous and deceitful.

Trade is the lifeblood of NZ’s economy, and to truly grow and prosper we need to expand and develop our trading links with the world. Freer trade not only benefits exporters, it accounts for 60% of NZ’s economic activity – both imports and exports.

A freer, more open world economy not only secures NZ greater access to more markets and higher prices for our exports, it also enables us to enjoy a much wider range of goods and services than ever before.

At least 90% of NZ’s farm production is exported, making international trade crucial for Kiwi farmers’ livelihoods and vital for the whole economy. Given that NZ is the world’s twelth-largest trader of agricultural products (by value), the number one sheep meat and dairy exporter, and the number two wool exporter, all NZers should well understand that freer trade is not only fundamental, it is vital to our agricultural sector.

Agricultural exports continue to face major barriers worldwide, notably high tariffs, increasing use of non-tariff barriers and domestic subsidies. Efforts to reduce or eliminate these – as outlined in the new trade strategy – have never been more important.

It is vital the Government remains focused on international trade liberalisation, further improving market access and tackling non-tariff barriers.

More like this

Editorial: Passage to India

OPINION: Even before the National-led coalition came into power, India was very much at the fore of its trade agenda.

Growing trade with India

Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay made a whirlwind trip to India last month, his first overseas visit in the new role. He spoke to Indian business leaders in New Delhi. Here's part of what he said:

It's not all cricket and trade!

Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay is making a whistlestop visit to India this week to meet with his counterpart in the Indian government.

Oh, Canada!

New Zealand scored a landmark victory over Canada, stopping it from protecting its dairy industry and effectively blocking our dairy exports to that country.

Featured

Sheep drench resistance costly

Analysis by Dunedin-based Techion New Zealand shows the cost of undetected drench resistance in sheep has exploded to an estimated $98 million a year.

Dairy sheep and goat turmoil

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.

Hurry up and slow down!

OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.

National

Knowing bugs means fewer drugs

A mastitis management company claims to deliver the fastest and most accurate mastitis testing available at scale for New Zealand…

Machinery & Products

AGTEK and ARGO part ways

After 12 years of representing the Landini and McCormick brands in New Zealand, Bay of Plenty-based AGTEK and the brands’…

100 years of Farmall Tractors

Returning after an enforced break, the Wheat and Wheels Rally will take place on the Lauriston -Barhill Road, North-East of…

JD unveils its latest beast

John Deere has unveiled its most powerful tractor ever, with the launch of the all new 9RX Series Tractor line-up…

Biggest Quadtrac coming to NZ!

In the biggest announcement that Case IH Australia/New Zealand has made around its tractor range, its biggest tractor is about…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Why?

OPINION: A mate of yours truly wants to know why the beef schedule differential is now more than 45-50 cents…

Fat to cut

OPINION: Your canine crusader understands that MPI were recently in front of the Parliamentary Primary Sector Select Committee for an…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter