It's a bumper edition of The Exporter this month - packed with news you can use, reports, events, important information and action points for you.

This month's trade update from around the world includes several potential far-reaching consequences for New Zealand firms - from the US, EU, Pacific Alliance and Iran. Make sure you are up-to-date so you can make well informed, strategic decisions.

Happy exporting.

Catherine Beard

027 463 3212 or cbeard@exportnz.org.nz

In this month's trade update, there is a mixture of good and bad news on the trade front.  The best news is that the threatened US-China trade war may have been averted (for now).
Also: the latest news on US steel and aluminium tariffs, FTA negotiations between New Zealand and the EU, the Pacific Alliance and doing busness with Iran. More...

The new Customs and Excise Act comes into effect on 1 October 2018. The new Act replaces the 1996 Customs and Excise Act. The intent of the new Act remains the same but the language and structure have been modernised to make it easier to understand and interpret. Businesses should, in time, find they have more flexibility and a greater understanding of their obligations.

While most of the intent remains the same there are a few new things you will need to learn about, so Customs is working on self-help education material that will help you know what the changes and new services are, what they mean for you, and what you need to do. You will be able to access this from July.

In the meantime, Customs are publishing a reference guide to help you translate the old legislation references to the new. This will be available in late May on the Customs website.

If you have questions about the new Customs and Excise Act, please contact the Implementation Team at CustomsActImplementation@customs.govt.nz.

The world is taking notice of under the radar New Zealand companies making inroads in Latin America, writes Victoria University's Dr Eldrede Kahiya.

Last month, the Minister of Economic Development, Environment, and Trade and Export Growth, David Parker, attended a meeting of the Mercosur Latin American trading bloc, before holding talks with Ministers of Agriculture and Livestock, and Foreign Affairs.

The significance of this event was lost in the shuffle of a frenetic business news cycle dominated by the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and trade wars. Not only did the trip help allay initial concern about the direction the trade agenda would take under the Labour-led government, it signals that New Zealand’s aggressive pursuit of market access is continuing in earnest. It comes at a time when New Zealand is already involved in trade negotiations with another Latin American bloc, the Pacific Alliance, consisting of Chile, Columbia, Mexico and Peru.

Establishing a foothold in Latin America is imperative considering growth in Asia will eventually taper off. More...

New Zealand businesses in Australia need to be aware of the new GST rules coming into force on 1 July 2018. These cover retail sales of low-value imported goods, services or digital products into Australia.

For low value goods, GST is collected through the sale, instead of at the border. GST will apply to retail sales of low value goods (A$1,000 or less) to Australia, when purchased by consumers.

Find out more here->>

The other change happening in Australia on 1 July 2018 is the new Country of Origin Labelling (CoOL) rules coming into play. New Zealand food businesses need to comply with the new requirements.

Click here for a brief introduction to the changes from NZTE and some key resources to make sure you're all set. 

GS1 NZ has partnered with BusinessNZ, ExportNZ and Retail NZ to bring you Connect 2018 - Online Marketplace Summit, offering a unique opportunity to learn the latest ideas from leading players in the online world. It's all happening on 27 June at the Pullman Hotel, Auckland.

Topics & Speakers include:

• Jump the curve: insights from 'now' and predictions for the future; eBay (USA) - Amit Menipaz, VP, Vertical Experiences & Platform
• ​Building a global business from our own backyard; Trade Me - Stuart McLean, Head of Marketplace
• Seek, find, enjoy. As New Zealand's largest online seller, Countdown have 20+ years worth of experience to share; Countdown - Sally Copland, Head of Online
• ​The big picture: How search, purchase and fulfillment integrate; GS1 Global Office (USA) - Robert Beideman, SVP, Solutions & Innovations.

Find out more here->>

Here's a useful report for anyone considering doing business in Romania - reported to be the most dynamic economy in Europe and a gateway to both the EU and Eastern European markets.

It covers the key sectors of potential opportunity for investment and export to Romania, for sourcing production and for relocation of operations. More...

A shining example of not simply making a product and shipping it overseas, Coffee Supreme is exploring a myriad of different models to take on markets around the world.

Starting in Wellington with a single cafe in ‘93, this passion project has grown into an international brand operating offshore with roasteries, wholesale divisions and cafes in Melbourne and Brisbane.

But for the last year their strategy has evolved, to focus on expanding their brand globally, in a less capital-intensive way than setting up roasteries in every centre.

So what are they doing differently? More...

C Beard

DIGI_X: Digital Decisions 2018 is a digital strategy conference for the decisions makers and influencers in business, to help them achieve their goals for scale, scope and speed through the use of digital technologies and platforms. It's happening on 21 June in Auckland.

Decisive business leaders and managers who embrace emerging technologies and lead their people into an innovation culture, can deliver meaningful digital transformation at the core of their business.

VIDEO - Click here to see what some of the speakers think about technology and innovation in New Zealand. 

More info & registration->>

The rapidly changing field of food technology disruption is bringing opportunities that just a few short years ago were being discounted. But now new protein and meat-alternative developments offer new market advantages to consumers.

A new national conference called ProteinTECH is set to run on 24 July in Auckland, featuring a strong line-up of independent thinkers including people from leadership, market research and technical roles in this changing food technology sector.

Aimed at people in the food production and farming industries, as well as those who have an interest or expertise in emerging food technologies, ProteinTECH will cover what alternative protein means for the New Zealand primary industries and what opportunities we have to get on board with these new technologies.

More info and registration->> 

Entries are now open for the 2018 Westpac Champion Business Awards. The Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of businesses and not-for-profits in the Canterbury Region.

This year’s awards feature a host of new categories – to see these and to enter, visit championcanterbury.org.nz.
Entries are open until Monday 18 June.

The Manukau Institute of Technoloy, Auckland, has some great training course options for staff in the logistics and freight industry, running through May, June and July.

Discover upskilling choices for employees within your organisation - from Supply Chain & Shipping Management to International Freight & Logistics. Check them out here...

If your organisation is engaged in business involving European nationals then you will be interested in the impact of new data protection regulations that were implemented by the European Union on 25 May. The regulation may have an effect on the way you do business and the way you collect, hold and handle personal information.

The European Union’s (EU) new wide-ranging general data protection regulation - the GDPR – establishes data protection requirements for organisations that either hold or process personal data on people residing in the EU, regardless of the organisation’s geographical location. 

Basic information on the GDPR and the steps required to comply with the new regulation can be found on the European Union website: Guidance on the GDPR->> 

Additional information about implications for New Zealand companies can be found on the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise website here->>.

There are some great opportunities for improving your business through learnings at seminars, workshops and events.

To see what's coming up, go to the ExportNZ home page and scroll down to see what's happening around the country.

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