NZ businesses in China deliver up to NZ$450 million trade boost
China is New Zealand’s largest and most significant training partner. In the year to June 2025, two-way trade exceeded NZ$40 billion for the first time, representing 20.5% of all New Zealand’s exports and 16% of our imports.
Business deals worth a projected up to NZ$450 million in new trade value over 12 months have been secured by New Zealand companies taking part in China’s premier trade event – the China International Import Expo (CIIE) – in Shanghai this week.
Minister for Trade and Investment, Hon Todd McClay, joined New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and over 80 New Zealand businesses to amplify New Zealand’s presence and help strengthen government and business partnerships at the annual event, which took place from 5-10 November.
“China is a significant market for New Zealand businesses. New Zealand’s exports to China grew nearly 10% in the year to June 2025, and two-way trade has topped $40 billion for the first time,” said Chris Metcalfe, Regional Director Greater China, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.
“As our exporters continue to innovate, adapt and diversify, we are seeing increased growth in new areas like health, nutrition, beauty and wellbeing products, while our traditional exports, like high-quality food and beverage, remain in high demand by Chinese consumers.”
More than 20 business deals, signings and other commercial activities took place during CIIE across a wide range of New Zealand companies and sectors. This included several launching new products and partnerships to the market at a special signing ceremony, hosted by NZTE with the Minister on Monday, fostering in a new chapter of growth between New Zealand and China.
In addition to overseeing signings, the Minister was able to support New Zealand’s dairy and meat sectors by promoting the new Grass-Fed Administrative Standard to Chinese consumers. His visit also coincided with Double Eleven, China and the world’s biggest online sales event, where he joined companies from New Zealand’s high-value health supplements sector to promote our premium products on Chinese e-commerce platforms ahead of the event.
“With up to NZ$450 million in projected new trade value delivered from more than 20 commercial signings over the past five days, it’s clear that momentum in China is growing. NZTE continues to work with new and established exporters to identify and unlock opportunities in this dynamic and fast-paced market,” said Mr Metcalfe.
New Zealand has been represented at every CIIE since its inception in 2018. This year’s presence - our biggest yet - included a 1,000m2 Taste New Zealand Pavilion, jointly hosted by NZTE and the China Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand. The Pavilion was double to size of last year’s and housed 38 exhibitors, ranging from food and beverage to pet food and health supplements.
China is New Zealand’s largest and most significant training partner. In the year to June 2025, two-way trade exceeded NZ$40 billion, representing 20.5% of all New Zealand’s exports and 16% of our imports. New Zealand’s trade with China is underpinned by the New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement - first signed in 2008 and upgraded in 2022.