National Party Pledges New Trade Deals with Seven Economies if Re-elected

New Zealand's National Party has outlined an ambitious trade agenda, pledging to initiate negotiations for new trade agreements with seven key economies across five continents should they win the next election. Trade spokesperson Todd McClay identified Brazil, Switzerland, Argentina, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Uruguay, and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) as priority markets.

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New Zealand is a trading nation. We create jobs and lift incomes by supporting great Kiwi companies to compete on the world stage for a rising share of global trade and investment.

These nations collectively represent a significant global market, encompassing 700 million people with a combined GDP exceeding US$5 trillion. National aims to leverage these potential deals to create more trade opportunities and dismantle barriers for New Zealand exporters. A second tier of priority markets, including South Africa, Turkey, and Colombia, has also been identified for advancement over the next decade.

"New Zealand is a trading nation. We create jobs and lift incomes by supporting great Kiwi companies to compete on the world stage for a rising share of global trade and investment," McClay stated. He emphasized that trade's value lies not just in exports but in what it brings back to communities, fostering business growth, job creation, and higher wages.

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Trade is not about what leaves our ports, it’s about what comes back into our communities.

The announcement arrives shortly before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to New Zealand, a trip occurring amidst controversy surrounding a recently signed free trade agreement between the two countries. While Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has hailed Modi's visit as "historic," internal coalition disagreements, particularly from New Zealand First, have surfaced regarding the India FTA and its implications for immigration settings.

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The seven markets we have identified offer huge, untapped opportunities for New Zealand exporters. Our exports to these countries are currently worth just $1.8 billion, demonstrating the scale of the opportunity for our exporters.

McClay highlighted the untapped potential in the seven identified markets, noting that current exports to these countries are valued at just $1.8 billion. "A re-elected National Government will prioritise commencing negotiations with each of these seven markets in the next five years to secure better access for Kiwi companies, boost exports, create jobs and lift incomes," he asserted.

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A re-elected National Government will prioritise commencing negotiations with each of these seven markets in the next five years to secure better access for Kiwi companies, boost exports, create jobs and lift incomes.