1 Sep 2021

Timeline shifts for UK-NZ free trade deal

9:04 pm on 1 September 2021

A free trade deal with the UK is taking longer than both sides had hoped.

waving colorful flag of great britain and national flag of new zealand. macro

Photo: 123rf.com

The trade ministers for New Zealand and the UK had said they wanted to sign an agreement in principle by the end of August - but that target has been missed.

New Zealand's Trade Minister Damien O'Connor said he wanted to reach an agreement as soon as possible, but the government had always said it wanted a deal that's commercially meaningful for our exporters.

"We remain committed to negotiating a high quality, comprehensive and inclusive FTA with the UK," O'Connor said.

In an announcement last month, the UK's Trade Secretary Liz Truss signalled it was prepared to eliminate tariffs on New Zealand honey, wine and apples.

In return, it expected tariffs on British gin, chocolate, clothing and some vehicles we import would be ditched.

Access for New Zealand dairy and red meat is more contentious, with farmers their expressing concerns about being undercut.

  • UK releases NZ free trade negotiation details as agreement nears
  • What New Zealand should win from its trade agreement with post-Brexit Britain
  • Trade Minister expects 'commercially meaningful' deal with UK