The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

What New Zealand should win from its trade agreement with post-Brexit Britain

  • Written by Alexander Gillespie, Professor of Law, University of Waikato

Bruised by its divorce from the European Union, Britain is busy getting out more, making new friends and renewing old acquaintances.

Serenaded with promises of cheaper cars, whiskey and marmite[1], Australia was first to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) with the UK — but New Zealand is not far behind.

The National Party opposition was quick to criticise[2] the Labour government for being too slow with a UK deal, but Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern responded pointedly by saying New Zealand wanted “quality over speed[3]”.

The significance of the Australian deal has also been downplayed, with the credit rating agency Moody’s saying[4], “the economic impact of the trade deal is negligible”. Others have argued the deal is more about demonstrating post-Brexit sovereignty than economic gain.

Yet there’s no denying Britain needs to diversify its markets to offset the negative economic impacts[5] of Brexit. New Zealand, too, is keen to grow trade after the pandemic disruptions[6] and diversify its trade markets[7] beyond China.

With a deal expected[8] this August, the big questions are: what’s really in it for New Zealand, and what considerations will have guided negotiations?

Much has changed since Britain joined the old European Common Market and cut the colonial apron strings. New Zealand is a different country now, and can cut a deal on its own terms.

Scott Morrison and Boris Johnson in a garden with their national flags Scott Morrison and Boris Johnson announcing the broad terms of the Australia-UK free trade deal agreement in London in June. AAP

Priority 1: product

Where once Britain was New Zealand’s most important trading partner in the 19th century, today it ranks sixth. Well behind China, Australia and (ironically) the European Union, trade with the UK was nonetheless worth nearly NZ$6 billion by 2019. But it’s not exactly a two-way street.

While New Zealand embraced free trade and did away with many import tariffs, Britain still imposes tariffs on imports. So, while British motor vehicles attract very little in the way of tariffs (other than GST) in New Zealand, there remain prohibitively high tariffs[9] and quota restrictions on New Zealand’s key exports to the UK.

For example, beyond limited quota volumes, British tariffs on New Zealand butter and cheese are equivalent to 45% of the product value[10], 16% on honey and up to 20% on seafood products. The tariff on New Zealand wine ranges between £10 and £26 ($18–$48) per litre.

Read more: The UK–Australia trade deal is not really about economic gain – it's about demonstrating post-Brexit sovereignty[11]

So, New Zealand should expect nothing less for it exports than the gains Australia has just made. While there is a lot of detail yet to come about the Australia-UK FTA, it appears British quotas will rise and tariffs drop quickly over the next decade. According to some analysis, this is effectively an elimination[12] of the old trade barriers.

The same must be a bottom line for New Zealand’s primary products, too. There may be resistance from the British agricultural sector, which has been sounding the alarm that free trade could “could spell the end[13]” for farmers. It won’t, but the Australian FTA reportedly caused a “ferocious row[14]” within Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s cabinet.

Regardless, settling for anything less than Canberra achieved would be a national disgrace for New Zealand.

Priority 2: principle

The FTA’s scope needs to be wider than just product exchange. For example, New Zealand is part of an international initiative pushing for an agreement on climate change, trade and sustainability[15].

Including the guiding principles of that agreement – removing tariffs on environmental goods, eliminating harmful fossil fuel subsidies, and the development of eco-labelling programmes – should be a priority.

As New Zealand continues to improve its agricultural response to climate change[16] and humane farming standards[17], this will help deflect any blowback against its exports. It also represents a competitive advantage, with New Zealand being seen to be using international trade to drive sustainability standards.

Read more: There's a lot we don't know about the UK trade agreement we are about to sign[18]

Māori interests must be the other main priority in this area. After all, Māori have a unique relationship with the British Crown, given it was the emissaries of Queen Victoria with whom the Treaty of Waitangi[19] was signed.

As the emissaries of Elizabeth II (the great-great-granddaughter of Victoria) negotiate this latest milestone in the relationship, they must be made fully aware of the importance and relevance of the Treaty to any new agreement, especially with Māori-led trade initiatives.

Priority 3: people

Finally, the agreement must also be about people. Britain will be seeking to mitigate the reduced migration flows[20] caused by Brexit, and New Zealanders will be prime targets. Aside from the tourist potential, Britain will want Kiwi students, workers and entrepreneurs.

Retaining and expanding British access for New Zealanders, however, must be reciprocal. If not, New Zealand risks losing one of the few positive outcomes of COVID-19, namely the “brain gain[21]” of returning expats.

Read more: Australia–UK trade deal can help spur post-pandemic recovery[22]

The government’s so-called “once-in-a-generation reset[23]” of the immigration system is central to this, moving New Zealand away from relying on low-skilled workers to attracting those with higher skills. Making New Zealand an attractive and viable option for Britain’s best and brightest should be a byproduct of the FTA.

With formal negotiations concluded[24], the “quality” of the eventual deal remains to be seen. But New Zealanders should expect an agreement that appropriately acknowledges the special relationship between the two countries.

More than that, New Zealand is no longer the junior partner. The reality is, for post-Brexit Britain, a good deal for New Zealand is still a good deal.

References

  1. ^ cheaper cars, whiskey and marmite (www.smh.com.au)
  2. ^ quick to criticise (www.scoop.co.nz)
  3. ^ quality over speed (www.tvnz.co.nz)
  4. ^ saying (www.crikey.com.au)
  5. ^ negative economic impacts (www.bbc.com)
  6. ^ the pandemic disruptions (statisticsnz.shinyapps.io)
  7. ^ diversify its trade markets (www.tvnz.co.nz)
  8. ^ deal expected (www.stuff.co.nz)
  9. ^ prohibitively high tariffs (www.mfat.govt.nz)
  10. ^ 45% of the product value (www.scoop.co.nz)
  11. ^ The UK–Australia trade deal is not really about economic gain – it's about demonstrating post-Brexit sovereignty (theconversation.com)
  12. ^ effectively an elimination (www.lowyinstitute.org)
  13. ^ could spell the end (www.dailymail.co.uk)
  14. ^ ferocious row (www.independent.co.uk)
  15. ^ agreement on climate change, trade and sustainability (www.mfat.govt.nz)
  16. ^ climate change (climateactiontracker.org)
  17. ^ humane farming standards (api.worldanimalprotection.org)
  18. ^ There's a lot we don't know about the UK trade agreement we are about to sign (theconversation.com)
  19. ^ Treaty of Waitangi (nzhistory.govt.nz)
  20. ^ reduced migration flows (academic.oup.com)
  21. ^ brain gain (www.bbc.com)
  22. ^ Australia–UK trade deal can help spur post-pandemic recovery (theconversation.com)
  23. ^ once-in-a-generation reset (www.rnz.co.nz)
  24. ^ negotiations concluded (www.mfat.govt.nz)

Read more https://theconversation.com/what-new-zealand-should-win-from-its-trade-agreement-with-post-brexit-britain-163423

The Times Features

Why You Need an Expert Electrician for Your Business’s Electrical Upgrades and Repairs

When it comes to maintaining and upgrading your business’s electrical systems, it’s essential to call in a professional. Electrical work in any commercial setting requires the ex...

Why Is It Crucial to Have a Building Inspection Done Before Buying a New Home?

Purchasing a new property is a big financial decision that can impact your future for years. Whether you are a first-time buyer or an investor, good or bad, it is essential to en...

Online Application for Sick Leave Certificate: Understanding When and How to Secure One

A sick leave certificate is an official document issued by a healthcare professional to verify an individual's inability to attend work due to illness. It typically includes the ...

A No-Fuss Guide to an Effective Beauty Routine

Taking care of the skin and appearance need not be complicated; it need not even consume your hours of time. Smart and simple approaches can give one that glow and fresh look witho...

Safe & Effective Tattoo Removal in Auckland – What You Need to Know

If you're looking for tattoo removal in Auckland, modern laser technology offers the safest and most effective way to fade or completely remove unwanted ink. Whether it's an outd...

Fleece-Lined Tights vs. Regular Tights: What’s the Difference?

When temperatures drop, choosing the right pair of tights can make a significant difference in comfort, warmth, and durability. Whether you wear tights for fashion, work, or outdoo...

Times Magazine

The Ultimate Guide to Apple Watch Faces & Trending Wallpapers

In today’s digital world, personalization is everything. Your smartwatch isn’t just a timepiece—it’s an extension of your style. Thanks to innovative third-party developers, customizing your Apple Watch has reached new heights with stunning designs...

The Power of Digital Signage in Modern Marketing

In a fast-paced digital world, businesses must find innovative ways to capture consumer attention. Digital signage has emerged as a powerful solution, offering dynamic and engaging content that attracts and retains customers. From retail stores to ...

Why Cloud Computing Is the Future of IT Infrastructure for Enterprises

Globally, cloud computing is changing the way business organizations manage their IT infrastructure. It offers cheap, flexible and scalable solutions. Cloud technologies are applied in organizations to facilitate procedures and optimize operation...

First Nations Writers Festival

The First Nations Writers Festival (FNWF) is back for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, continuing its mission to celebrate the voices, cultures and traditions of First Nations communities through literature, art and storytelling. Set to take ...

Improving Website Performance with a Cloud VPS

Websites represent the new mantra of success. One slow website may make escape for visitors along with income too. Therefore it's an extra offer to businesses seeking better performance with more scalability and, thus represents an added attracti...

Why You Should Choose Digital Printing for Your Next Project

In the rapidly evolving world of print media, digital printing has emerged as a cornerstone technology that revolutionises how businesses and creative professionals produce printed materials. Offering unparalleled flexibility, speed, and quality, d...

LayBy Shopping