Weekly Global Report:
Domestic
National Infrastructure Plan Signals Long Term Trade Enablement
The Government’s newly delivered National Infrastructure Plan outlines a coordinated pipeline of investment intended to address long standing constraints across health, transport, energy, water, and digital systems. Minister of Infrastructure Chris Bishop said in a Beehive Press Release that the “National Infrastructure Plan, released today, sets out a 30-year view of how New Zealand can improve the way it plans, funds, maintains and delivers infrastructure.” Officials are preparing briefing for other political parties in parliament in order to build consensus on the future of Infrastructure in New Zealand. Read the press release here(external link).
Active Investor Plus Programme Attracts Capital Inflows
Recent figures show that the Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa programme has delivered approximately NZD 3.39 billion in committed investment into the domestic economy. That figure is comprised of 573 applications made under the AIP to date, with NZD 1.05 billion already invested. This inflow of capital is expected to support innovation intensive sectors including in tech, healthcare, aged care, horticulture, and digital media. Read the press release here(external link).
Global
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development Assesses Policy Shifts
A new Global Trade Update from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) examines how evolving trade policy settings are reshaping international commerce. The report suggests that changes to tariffs, subsidies, and regulatory standards are likely to redistribute gains and losses across different economies and sectors. These policy adjustments may alter production patterns and influence the configuration of global supply chains over time. Read more here(external link).
Europe
European Union Trade Faces Pressure from Tariffs and Competition
Recent data reported on by Reuters indicate that trade within the European Union is experiencing renewed pressure from both United States tariffs and intensified competition from Chinese manufacturers. Slowing export performance in key industrial sectors highlights the ongoing challenges facing European producers in a more fragmented global trading environment. External policy measures and evolving market dynamics are contributing to shifts in trade balances across the bloc. Read more here(external link).
Southeast Asia
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Highlights Reform Path for the Philippines
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has identified structural reforms that could enhance labour market formalisation and competition in the Philippines economy. Increased formal employment can improve productivity outcomes and strengthen the country’s integration into regional and global trade networks. The report also notes that more competitive market structures may encourage innovation and support sustainable economic growth trajectories. As the Philippines continues to expand its role in Asia Pacific supply chains, such reforms may have wider implications for trade flows across the region. Read the press release here(external link).
Feedback
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Market reports released this week
- Read the previous global economic round-up
A full list of global economic round-ups can be found here(external link)
If you would like to request a topic for reporting please email exports@mfat.govt.nz
External links
The following links may provide useful information to businesses:
NZTE’s website(external link) and their myNZTE(external link) provides a range of insights and tools available to support New Zealand exporters.
The Treasury releases a weekly economic update(external link) every Friday. Stats NZ has published a data portal(external link) with near real-time economic indicators.
MBIE publishes a sector reports series(external link) which provides regularly updated reports on all industry sectors that make up the New Zealand economy. These include official economic data and the challenges and opportunities that face New Zealand’s industry sectors.
Business.govt.nz(external link) provides tools and advice from across government to save small businesses’ time and help make the business a success.
MFAT has created a tariff finder(external link) which is designed to help goods exporters and importers maximise benefits from New Zealand’s Free Trade Agreements and compare tariffs in 136 other markets.
The all of government Trade Barriers(external link) website can be used to register any trade barriers experienced or issues exporting to an offshore market. Queries can be sent via the website or through the MFAT Exporter Helpline 0800 824 605. Enquiries will be sent to the government agency best placed to answer.
Tatauranga Aotearoa Stats NZ provides official data on the value of New Zealand’s exports and imports of both goods and services, by commodity type via the New Zealand Trade Dashboard(external link). This interactive dashboard is updated every quarter and allows for filtering by country and by commodity type.
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Learn more about exporting
New Zealand Trade & Enterprise’s comprehensive market guides(external link) cover export regulations, business culture, market-entry strategies and more.
Disclaimer
This information released in this report aligns with the provisions of the Official Information Act 1982. The opinions and analysis expressed in this report are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views or official policy position of the New Zealand Government. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the New Zealand Government take no responsibility for the accuracy of this report.
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