Weekly Global Report:
On this page
Trade and Economic Update
IMF sees resilient global growth but risks remain elevated
The International Monetary Fund's (IMF) latest World Economic Outlook(external link) finds the global economy has remained more resilient than expected in 2026 despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and persistent trade tensions. Strong investment in AI and technology has helped support global activity, while businesses and governments have adapted to repeated shocks through supply chain adjustments, inventory management, and targeted policy support.
The IMF forecasts global growth of 3.1% in 2026 and 3.4% in 2027 but warns the benefits of growth are being felt unevenly. Economies linked to technology investment and AI supply chains are performing relatively strongly, while many energy-importing and lower-income countries face higher import costs, weaker demand, and increased fiscal pressures. Global inflation is expected to rise to 4.7% in 2026 before easing to 4.1% in 2027. The IMF assesses that risks remain tilted to the downside, including escalation in the Middle East, renewed trade tensions, fiscal vulnerabilities, and a potential correction in AI-related investment.
International tourism nears full recovery in August
Stats NZ data show that nearly 250,000 overseas visitors arrived in New Zealand in August 2026, equivalent to 99% of the arrivals recorded in August 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic. Australia remained New Zealand's largest visitor market in August, accounting for 51% of arrivals and reaching a record number of visitors for an August month. China was the second-largest source market, accounting for 11% of August arrivals, an increase of around 32% compared with August 2025. Record August arrivals were also recorded from Taiwan and Singapore, while visitor numbers from the United States, Malaysia, Indonesia and Japan increased compared with a year earlier. The strong international visitor arrival numbers provide a boost to a sector that is New Zealand's second-largest export earner and directly or indirectly supports one in nine jobs.
For more information see: International travel: August 2026 | Stats NZ(external link)
Viet Nam seeks foreign investment to help reach double digit economic growth
Viet Nam’s economy continues to grow at one of the fastest rates in Asia, with GDP expanding 9.95% in quarter three and 9.01% over the first nine months of 2026. The government is pursuing an ambitious goal of sustaining growth at or near 10% through infrastructure investment, industrial upgrading, and higher-value sectors such as technology, AI, and advanced manufacturing. To help finance this expansion, Vietnamese banks are seeking nearly US$7 billion(external link) in new capital and authorities are gradually opening the financial sector to greater foreign participation. These reforms may create opportunities for New Zealand investors, financial institutions, education providers, and technology firms seeking exposure to a rapidly growing market.
Upcoming Events and Webinars
Aussie Minds for Kiwi Exporters | Online
Thursday 22 October, 1:00PM
Join The Research Agency (TRA), the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) for a webinar designed for New Zealand businesses looking to better understand and succeed in the Australian market.
ASEAN Export Success | Online
Wednesday 28 October, 12:30PM-1:30PM
Exporting isn't for the faint of heart – navigating rules of origin, tariff rates, standards, non-tariff barriers and free trade agreements, it can be hard to know where to get the help you need. The ASEAN New Zealand Business Council is hosting a quick-fire panel of the key New Zealand Government agencies that support your export journey.
Exporter Outlook & Leveraging our FTA | Christchurch
Tuesday 17 November, 7:30AM-9:30AM
Join ExportNZ and the Christchurch Business Club for a briefing from two of New Zealand's leading diplomats. Gain insights into the evolving global trade environment and practical advice on how to leverage New Zealand's suite of free trade agreements to support business growth and export success.
Market reports released this week
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
Sign up for email alerts
If you would like to subscribe to this weekly update, go to our subscription page(external link) or email us at exports@mfat.govt.nz
Feedback
We welcome feedback from New Zealand exporters on this report and invite requests for reporting from New Zealand’s network of Embassies and High Commissions(external link). If you have suggestions on a topic you would like to hear more about, or to subscribe to this weekly update, you can sign up here(external link) or email us at 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.
Learn more about exporting
New Zealand Trade & Enterprise’s comprehensive market guide(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.
Copyright
Crown copyright ©. Website copyright statement is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence(external link). In essence, you are free to copy, distribute and adapt the work, as long as you attribute the work to the Crown and abide by the other licence terms.