In this newsletter we cover the latest trade drama’s in our trade update and a range of other useful info. Also, I reconnected with Callaghan Innovation recently when we asked them present to the BusinessNZ Chief Technology Officer group. It was a good reminder of things they have on offer for businesses doing R&D, and there are some new pilot programmes, including one on Lean 2.0

It really feels like winter now so I hope some of you are planning your overseas business travel to warmer climes! Trade war dramas and Brexit aside, there is plenty going on in terms of opportunties and you will see a few if you read on. We are also in Export awards season, so hope to see some of you in Tauranga and Auckland soon.

The year is speeding by and our ExportNZ regions are in full export awards mode. Check out the various awards events on our website. In this edition, we cover new package recycling requirements for the German market, a new tariff finder tool and many great seminars and events. If you are Christchurch based, don't miss the procurement seminar - big spenders that want to connect to suppliers!

As we head into an Easter break that promises to be a good one, exporters might have time to consider some of the good opportunities we outline in this months newsletter. We cover the latest forward notice of government agencies spending intentions, some market research from Lincoln University for F&B exporters and how to leverage the Rugby World Cup in Japan (go on – you know you want to be there!).

Along with the rest of New Zealand, our office has just observed the 2-minute silence to honour the victims of the terror attack in the Christchurch Mosque last Friday. We want to send our love and support to all the NZ Muslim communities across New Zealand.

Awards season is coming and the Wellington Export Awards and the Auckland/Waikato Awards are open for entries are – so we encourage exporters to enter. Great for profile and great for judges feedback.

The Brexit drama continues and I am sure those doing business with the UK are making contingency plans as best as they can. Advice from NZ Officials is to keep an eye on advice on the NZTE, MPI and MFAT websites

As we near the end of 2018 the world of trade is still going through unpredictable times. With ongoing tariff wars between the US and China and the Brexit drama’s making New Zealand politics look very sane in comparison.

As we near the end of 2018 and survey the bigger picture of the trade landscape, while there are ongoig delays with some negotiations - see our Trade Update below - what is exciting is that the CPTPP is coming into effect next month. Finally!

The 2018 ExportNZ DHL Export Barometer was released this morning. One of the most outstanding findings from this year's survey is that the number one barrier to exporting is concern over increasing costs in New Zealand due to the coming industrial regulation. Results show this is a major barrier for 32% of Kiwi exporters.