National has committed to launching trade negotiations with seven new economies within five years if re-elected, in a bid to secure what it calls New Zealand's "next billion customers" as it launched an election trade policy today.
The party has pledged to open negotiations with Brazil, Switzerland, Argentina, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Uruguay, and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) bloc comprising Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon revealed the election pledge alongside trade spokesperson Todd McClay at an event held at the Port of Auckland earlier today.
"The seven markets we have identified offer huge, untapped opportunities for New Zealand exporters. Our exports to these countries are currently worth just $1.8 billion, demonstrating the scale of the opportunity for our exporters," McClay said.
The party has grouped them into three categories — high-value European economies in Switzerland and the EFTA states; large South American economies in Brazil. Argentina and Uruguay, and fast-growing Asian and African economies in Bangladesh and Nigeria.
McClay said: "A re-elected National government will prioritise commencing negotiations with each of these seven markets in the next five years to secure better access for Kiwi companies, boost exports, create jobs and lift incomes.
"This first tranche of markets will be followed by a second tranche, made up of six other markets, with negotiations to commence with this tranche over the next decade."
The second group of six markets included South Africa, Turkey, Colombia, Morocco, Sri Lanka and Mauritius. The two tranches together spanned almost a billion people.
McClay cited the party's India free trade deal as evidence it could deliver.
"Christopher Luxon promised National would get a free trade deal with India in our first term of government. We delivered, despite many saying it couldn't be done," he said.
"A re-elected National government will apply this same ambition and focus on securing New Zealand's next billion customers ... National has a proud record of pushing open doors for New Zealand exporters in new and growing markets."
The policy commits to negotiating new essential supplies agreements modelled on the NZ-Singapore AOTES deal, eliminating $1 billion in non-tariff barriers, giving New Zealand Trade and Enterprise a sharper mandate, and completing at least 23 trade missions.
The party also outlines plans to create three AI-powered digital tools to help exporters navigate tariffs, rules of origin and market access requirements, and to establish a "Next 200" programme targeting 200 high-potential businesses not yet exporting.
Under the plan, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise would shift from a "follow" to a "lead and follow" model, proactively identifying opportunities and targeting the companies best placed to benefit, rather than waiting for exporters to seek support.
McClay said: "Every extra sale offshore supports stronger businesses, more jobs and higher incomes at home. National will keep backing our exporters to seize new opportunities and become more competitive.
"This is all part of National’s plan to build New Zealand’s future - one where our exporters succeed on the world stage, creating more jobs, opportunities and higher incomes at home."
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