Discusses key economic indicators and trade statistics, which countries are dominant in the market, the U.S. market share, the political situation if relevant, the top reasons why U.S. companies should consider exporting to this country, and other issues that affect trade, e.g., terrorism, currency devaluations, trade agreements.
The New Zealand market offers U.S. companies a relatively wealthy, sophisticated market with a very transparent and open business environment, undergirded by a stable democratic system.   In 2018, the World Bank ranked New Zealand first in the world in terms of doing business and for transparency.   The country consistently ranks high in measures of business honesty and integrity, and these features somewhat offset the small market size.   Much of New Zealand’s economy depends on international trade such as commodity exports, and tourism.  The United States is New Zealand’s third most important trading partner after China and Australia, with whom New Zealand has Free Trade Agreements.  In 2018, New Zealand imports from the U.S. totaled US$4.4 billion and represented 10.6% of total imports.  U.S. aircraft and aircraft parts, agricultural machinery, medical and pharmaceutical products are key items sold to New Zealand.
The foundation of New Zealand’s economy is exporting agricultural commodities such as dairy products, meat, forest products, fruit and vegetables, and wine.   Dairy is the lead export commodity.   Tourism is New Zealand’s largest export industry in terms of foreign exchange earnings.  It employs one in seven New Zealanders.  In 2018, New Zealand exports to the U.S. totaled US$3.8 billion (or approximately 10% of New Zealand’s total exports).
Fluctuations in the NZ/US exchange rate can impact on New Zealand dollar export receipts. Exchange rate:  1 NZ$ = 66 U.S. cents (as of June 2019). New Zealand’s market size is ideal for New-To-Export companies and for testing New-To-Market products.
 

Prepared by the International Trade Administration. With its network of more than 100 offices across the United States and in more than 75 markets, the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.