The New Zealand and China Free Trade Agreement (NZ China FTA) was signed in Beijing on the 7th of April 2008, bringing to the end a negotiation process that spanned fifteen rounds over three years. This is now subject to completion of parliamentary processes, and the China Free Trade Agreement (NZ China FTA) is expected to enter into force on 1 October 2008. NZ and China have entered into an historical agreement that allows for mutually beneficial trade of goods and services between the two countries.

New Zealand relationship with China

New Zealand has a trading history with China that spans over a 150 years. Over this time the two nations have learned to trust and respect each other because of the value we both put on building personal relationships, our straight forward attitudes, and the mutually beneficial value each culture can bring to the table. The fact that China has pushed New Zealand to the forefront of its international trade relationships by scheduling New Zealand to become the first country in the OECD to form a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This offers NZ a substantial strategic coupe in a world that is witnessing increased global competition, while the major trading circles in Europe and the US have made it clear that NZ is to remain part of South East Asia. The Chinese and NZ governments have formed a working relationship that is second to none. By reviewing the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website it is noted the respect China has for its history with NZ.

Potential Impacts of tariff liberalisation under the NZ China FTA

Armor-Pro is here to help New Zealand's businesses understand what they can gain from the NZ China FTA. Many tariffs on components and products being imported from China are being phased out over the next four years. This opens a vast array of opportunities for New Zealand businesses to strategically align themselves, whether it's gaining access to cheaper component suppliers, outsourcing product manufacturing, or exporting to the huge Chinese markets. Kiwi businesses stand to strategically gain from the NZ China FTA through access to the cost advantages as provided by China.

China is New Zealand's third largest source of imports and this includes a wide range of manufactured products where New Zealand tariffs are typically in the 5% to 7% percent range, such as furniture, steel and plastics. Under the NZ China free trade agreement (China FTA) these will be completely phased out over the next 4 years. Armor-Pro provide NZ manufacturers with ease of access to quality component and OEM China manufacturers. With over ten years experience we consider ourselves as specialists because we know how to access the best fit factory first time. We cut through the culture to deliver you straight to quality manufactured components and products every time.