Weekly Global Report:
Trade and Economic Updates
Domestic
New Methane Research Barn Expands Options for Dairy Farmers
The New Zealand Government has invested NZD8 million in a methane research facility in the Waikato, designed to help farmers reduce emissions from dairy herds. The facility (dubbed the “Methane Barn”) enables large-scale monitoring of methane produced by lactating cows, allowing farmers to select lower-emitting genetics without compromising productivity. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay noted that this initiative is part of a broader NZD400 million government and industry commitment to provide practical tools for reducing biogenic methane, while maintaining farm output and supporting climate obligations. Read more here(external link).
New Board Appointments Strengthen New Zealand Infrastructure Agencies
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has announced a series of appointments across New Zealand’s key infrastructure agencies, including Crown Infrastructure Delivery Ltd (CID), National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Ltd (NIFFCo), and the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission Te Waihanga. Pamela Bell will join the CID Board as a Director on 6 October 2025 before assuming the role of Chair from 1 March 2026. Philip de Joux and Adrian Wimmers will also join the CID Board for two-year terms. David Webster has been appointed to the NIFFCo Board for a three-year term, joining recently appointed directors Tim Brown, Greg Lowe, and Melissa Cameron. Sue Tindal has been reappointed for a further year as Deputy Chair of Te Waihanga, reinforcing expertise across the country’s infrastructure governance. Read more here(external link).
North Asia
China’s Electric Vehicle Exports Surge Amid Domestic Cooling
China’s exports of electric vehicles doubled in September 2025 compared with the same month a year earlier, reaching approximately 222,000 units, as automakers turned their focus abroad amid slowing domestic demand. Manufacturers including BYD and SAIC are expanding into emerging markets such as the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa to offset reduced demand at home. BYD said that the United Kingdom has become its largest market outside China, growing by a staggering 880% year-on-year in September. Read more here(external link).
Asia’s Growing Seafood Appetite Offers Export Opportunities
Exporters across the Asia-Pacific are seeing strong seafood demand as shifting trade conditions and U.S. tariff pressures drive producers to refocus on regional markets. Consumption of tuna, salmon, shrimp, and sardines is rising, with consumers in key Asian economies increasingly favouring convenient, ready-to-cook formats. A 2025 Innova market insights 2025 report shows that 20% of global consumers are eating more fish and seafood. Data from Statista projects Asia’s revenue for fish and seafood to reach USD30.22 billion in 2025. Market volume revenue is projected to reach USD51.53 billion by 2023. Read more here(external link).
Americas
Brazil BNDES approves R1.6 billion for companies to open new markets abroad
In a press release(external link) published on 10 October 2025, Brazil’s National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) announced its approval of R1.6 billion (USD292.4 million) in credit for companies affected by tariffs imposed by the United States. According to the press release, the credit will help Brazilian firms to boost exports to countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, Paraguay, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay. The main sectors that will benefit include the coffee industry, sugar producers, electronic equipment manufacturers, and other food producers.
South and Southeast Asia
Singapore’s DBS and Saudi Bank Strengthen Asia–Gulf Trade Links
Singapore-based DBS Group (the largest bank in Southeast Asia) and Saudi Arabia’s Banque Saudi Fransi, have entered a new partnership aimed at boosting trade finance and cross-border payments between Asia and the Gulf region. The collaboration leverages DBS’s digital payment infrastructure to streamline transactions and support the growing flow of goods and capital between Southeast Asia and Gulf Cooperation Council economies. These flows reached USD130 billion in 2023 and are expected to grow by another USD50 billion by 2027. Read more here(external link).
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Market reports released this week
- Read the previous global economic round-up
- Poland's Supplement Boom: Strategic Insights for Kiwi Market Exporters
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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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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