Weekly Global Report:
Trade and Economic Updates
Domestic
Government Export focused Roadshow
- All of Government Roadshow 2025 begins this week. MFAT is participating in this Export NZ event which brings together representatives from government agencies and government-funded programmes for a country roadshow. This free series of events is designed to give exporters and businesses the opportunity to hear from government partners about how they are supporting exporters and an opportunity to engage directly. The events run between the 17 March and 2 April, in Dunedin, Cromwell, Christchurch, Wellington, Hawke’s Bay, Tauranga, Hamilton, and Auckland. More details about the events and to register can be found here(external link).
NZTE Board appointment
- Trade and Investment Minister, Todd McClay, has announced the appointment of Charles Finny as Chair of the Board of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE).
- NZTE is the Government’s international business development agency tasked with supporting Kiwi businesses to export more and grow international markets. Mr Finny has more than 40 years of experience in the trade and export sector. He was the chief executive of the Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce, a former diplomat and trade negotiator who helped to achieve trade agreements with Singapore, China and Taiwan, and a former chair of Education New Zealand. He previously served on the NZTE Board from 2009 to 2021. Cabinet has agreed to refocus the work of NZTE to drive greater export value and open more markets for New Zealand export businesses.
APEC
- The APEC Secretariat, based in Singapore, recently released a report(external link) that highlights growing economic challenges, with slowing growth and rising fiscal pressures, aggravated by ageing populations. While near-term prospects are stable, risks affecting the medium-term outlook are intensifying due to persistent trade barriers, geopolitical tensions, and structural constraints. Strengthening resilience requires bold policy action, including advancing structural reforms to boost productivity and innovation, while maintaining sound fiscal and monetary policies to ensure economic stability. Deepening regional cooperation is essential to mitigate trade vulnerabilities and navigate global uncertainties.
South and South East Asia
Prime Minister Luxon visits Viet Nam
- From 25 to 28 February, Prime Minister Luxon visited Viet Nam accompanied by Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Nicola Grigg, and a delegation of New Zealand business leaders.
- The Prime Minister’s visit to Viet Nam on the 50th anniversary of our diplomatic relationship reinforced our thriving bilateral relationship, reaffirmed our commitment to increasing trade and economic integration, and uncovered some new opportunities for collaboration.
- The highlight of the visit was the formal upgrade of New Zealand’s bilateral relationship with Viet Nam to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the highest diplomatic status accorded by Viet Nam.
- A suite of education and commercial initiatives were announced during the visit, including the VietJet’s announcement of a new flight route connecting Viet Nam and New Zealand.
Europe
European Central Bank Macroeconomic Projections
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Last week, the European Central Bank (ECB) released its latest macroeconomic projections, highlighting a cautiously optimistic outlook for the Eurozone in 2025. The ECB forecasts a modest recovery with a growth rate of 1.3%, driven by strengthening domestic demand and easing inflation. Additionally, the ECB's projection of stabilizing inflation and favourable credit conditions may encourage renewed European investment. This projected economic stability in Europe provides a positive backdrop for businesses looking to expand their market presence and attract European investors.
Ireland’s Foreign Direct Investment Settings
- Ireland is a global leader in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and serves as a model for New Zealand, especially as the country places growing importance on securing investment for its economy and infrastructure projects.
- Yet, Ireland itself is being urged to deliver urgent(external link) reforms in infrastructure and business in order to remain attractive to international investors.
- Ireland's housing shortage, airport congestion, and energy supply limitations are all areas experts draw attention to in order for the country to remain competitive.
- While transatlantic trade wars risk hurting Ireland's strong position as a gateway between Europe and the US, experts argue the country should do more to also attract investment from outside of the US.
For more information on the driver’s behind Ireland’s success, refer to MFAT’s Market Intelligence Report on FDI(external link).
More reports
Previous global economic round-ups can be found here(external link).
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If you would like to request a topic for reporting please email exports@mfat.net
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.
Feedback
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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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