Photo source: China.org
Trade Minister Todd McClay headed a delegation of businesses from New Zealand at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) last week. The major import-focused expo themed “New Era, Shared Future” marked its seventh annual occurrence in Shanghai, following its establishment by Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Belt and Road Forum.
Despite the recent decline in some product categories, China is reported to continue being New Zealand’s largest export market.
In the year ending June, New Zealand exported goods and services worth $20.4 billion to China, which included $6 billion in dairy, $3 billion in wood, and $2.4 billion in meat.
24 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and supply agreements were also inked during the week between New Zealand and Chinese businesses.
According to McClay, those partnerships were anticipated to create $340 million in export revenue in the next three years.
Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Ambassador to China, Grahame Morton, stated at a Meat Industry Association (MIA) event that while last year represented a period of “reconnection” between the two nations, this year has been characterised by “agenda resetting.”
“The Chinese market never stands still. There are always new consumer niches, new channels to market, new local competition, and increasingly, Chinese consumers are preferring Chinese brands. This market is dynamic and fast-moving,” NZ Trade and Enterprise chief executive Peter Chrisp stated, highlighting that opportunities are still available despite the current sluggish growth of the Chinese economy.
MIA chair Nathan Guy remarked at the organisation’s networking event that they have attended every CIIE and are determined not to miss any future events.
“We know that competition in China for red meat is fierce; we know that 42 countries now around the world have similar access to what New Zealand has,” Guy said.
58 companies showcased their products at the expo. Among them were Fonterra, Theland, NiG Nutritionals, the Meat Industry Association, Spring Sheep, Deer Industry NZ, Oceania Dairy, Good Health, Zespri, and Comvita, with some located within the New Zealand-dedicated area.
Fonterra likely had the largest display among all New Zealand participants, featuring its various channels, including NZMP and Anchor Food Professionals, among others.
The next CIIE will again be held between November 5 and November 10, 2025.