Exporters are seeing significant benefits from the United Arab Emirates free trade agreement just one year in, says Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay.
"New Zealand goods exports to the UAE are already up seven per cent, to $1.4 billion, in the first year of the New Zealand-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
"Two-way goods trade exceeded $1.6 billion to July 2026. This is a fantastic result, given recent disruptions to trade in the region, and shows the Government was right to target this market for a free trade agreement," says Mr McClay.
"Services businesses are also doing well, gaining major contracts in the tourism sector, highlighting the opportunities for New Zealand firms in the UAE's growing technology-enabled visitor economy."
The CEPA was New Zealand's fastest-ever FTA negotiation. Launched on 7 May 2024 and concluded on 26 September 2024. The agreement was signed on 14 January 2025 and entered into force on 28 August 2025. It removed tariffs on 98.5 per cent of New Zealand exports from day one.
It includes practical trade-smoothing measures including customs clearance commitments (six-hour release of perishable goods), promoting paperless trade, and recognition of New Zealand's food safety and biosecurity systems.
"This demonstrates the tangible benefits to New Zealand from increased access to high value international markets," Mr McClay says. "We produce high quality products and services that are in demand, and this Government is focused on opening doors for our exporters to step through."
Dairy exports increased by 15 per cent, adding $128 million in export earnings to reach $1 billion. Wood exports grew by 70 per cent, while sheep meat exports increased by 61 per cent compared with the previous year.
"The UAE is New Zealand's largest trading partner in the Gulf region and an important gateway to markets across the Middle East and beyond. This impressive start demonstrates the value of closer economic ties and the opportunities available to New Zealand businesses in the UAE," Mr McClay says.
