Ministry Statements & Speeches:
The upgrade of this online tool is in response to exporters who said being able to find all this information in one place would make it easier and faster to compare and assess opportunities when planning export development strategies.
Exporters also asked for explanations of the many acronyms and abbreviations used in international trade, which have also been added to tariff-finder.govt.nz(external link).
The improvements are part of a Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Economic Diplomacy initiative that draws on our diplomatic network to share information, insights and research to help Kiwi exporters, including small and medium enterprises, succeed globally.
Small businesses of fewer than 20 employees account for more than 97% of all New Zealand firms and more than a quarter of employment, but only about 23% are directly engaged in exporting.
SMEs face some unique challenges when they look to export to international markets. Tariff-finder is part of a suite of tools and services to help overcome those barriers.
Businesses facing red tape, bottle-necks, unfair rules or regulations in export markets can register their problem at tradebarriers.govt.nz(external link) and be guaranteed a response within two working days.
The exporter helpline 0800 824 605 is another way businesses can get assistance with or information about trade.
MFAT works closely with partner agencies New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, New Zealand Customs Service, Ministry for Primary Industries, Education New Zealand and the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment to deliver these services.