New Zealand - China Free Trade Agreement Overview
Overview
New Zealand entered into a free trade agreement with China in 2008. It has opened up significant trade and economic opportunities and been a catalyst for closer cooperation across a number of areas.
New Zealand goods exports to China have quadrupled since the free trade agreement was signed and entered into force in 2008. China is now New Zealand’s largest trading partner, with two-way trade valued at more than NZ$38 billion in 2024. China is also New Zealand’s largest source of international students, a significant source of foreign investment and, a major tourism market.
On 7 April 2022, the Upgrade to the New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement entered into force. The Upgrade amended the 2008 FTA to align it with the latest trade policies, and business practices in areas of e-commerce, government procurement, environment and trade, and competition. It also eliminated further tariffs and reduced compliance measures for exporters. See more on the upgraded FTA at China FTA Upgrade 2022.
Agreement highlights
Highlights of the free trade agreement include:
- Tariffs were eliminated for over 98% of New Zealand goods exports to China. Some products were subject to safeguards that were phased out by 2024.
- Better access to high quality Chinese goods for New Zealand businesses and consumers. By 2021, all imports from China were eligible for tariff-free access.
- Improved access to Chinese markets for New Zealand service providers, including future-proofing rules that ensure service exporters in some sectors benefit from any improved access that China grants to other FTA partners.
- Faster and easier temporary entry to China for business people through improved visa processing.
- Greater cooperation in areas such as sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical barriers to trade.
- A clear process for settling disputes related to the FTA.
- Dedicated chapters on trade and environment and e-commerce, that provide for more effective discussion and cooperation.
- Reduced red tape, including an easier and less costly route for New Zealand exporters of certain electrical and electronic equipment products to comply with Chinese certification requirements.
Protecting rights
The CEP preserves the New Zealand Government’s inherent right to regulate in the public interest and contains specific protections in a range of policy areas, including for the Treaty of Waitangi/ Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
As with all of New Zealand’s trade agreements since 2001, the CEP includes a specific provision preserving the pre-eminence of the Treaty of Waitangi/ Te Tiriti o Waitangi in New Zealand.
Nothing in the CEP prevents the Crown from meeting its obligations to Māori under the Treaty of Waitangi/ Te Tiriti o Waitangi which will not be subject to dispute settlement.
Share your views
If you have an interest in the FTA, including any questions or feedback, please get in touch with us at FTA_Outreach@mfat.govt.nz or at exports@mfat.govt.nz for queries about the Agreement and imports from and exports to China.
Post: China FTA Coordinator
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Private Bag 18-901 Wellington