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International
UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
The UK’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism(external link) (CBAM) is scheduled to come into effect on 1 January 2027, introducing a carbon-based charge on specified imports in the aluminium, cement, fertiliser, hydrogen, and iron and steel sectors. The mechanism is intended to address carbon leakage by ensuring imported goods face a carbon price comparable to that paid by UK producers under the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS). The UK has now finalised the design of the scheme, including a £50,000 import threshold below which businesses will not be required to comply.
Korea to launch NZ$23.6 billion fund for strategic industries
The Korean Government plans to establish a sovereign wealth fund of at least 20 trillion won (NZ$23.6 billion) in 2027 to support long-term investment in strategically important domestic industries. Operating through the state-owned Korea Investment Corporation, the fund will target areas including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, robotics, defence, biotechnology, aerospace, nuclear energy, data centres and critical supply chains. Unlike conventional policy financing, it will provide “patient capital” without a fixed maturity date and may acquire equity, exercise voting rights and participate in corporate governance. The government says the fund will help protect critical technologies, strengthen economic security and attract foreign capital by partnering with overseas sovereign wealth and pension funds. Legislation enabling its establishment is expected to be submitted to the National Assembly in August.
Upcoming Events and Webinars
Middle East Export Success
New Zealand Government support for your export journey
Tuesday 18 August 2026, 4–5 pm
Exporting isn’t for the faint of heart – navigating rules of origin, different tariff rates, standards, non-tariff barriers and free trade agreements, it can be hard to know where to get the help you need. The New Zealand Middle East Business Council (NZMEBC) is hosting a quick-fire panel of the key New Zealand Government agencies and departments that work to support your export journey. Join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, New Zealand Customs, the Ministry of Primary Industries, Te Puni Kōkiri, New Zealand Story, the Export Credit Office and Capital Solutions as they share the key ways they can boost your exports into Middle East markets.
Market reports released this week
- Read the previous global economic round-up
- South Africa: Economic Outlook and Opportunities for New Zealand Businesses
- Guyana: Economic Outlook and Opportunities for New Zealand
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
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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. 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 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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