With time, trade between New Zealand and the United States has deepened, with New Zealand’s exports taking the lead in this partnership. New Zealand's total exports for 2024 were 42.58 billion dollars which is a 7 percent increase from 2023. Dairy products, meat, fruits, wood and beverages are some key export commodities. Trade statistics from 2024 indicate that New Zealand’s self-sufficient economies continue to be China and the USA.
According to New Zealand import export database and US import statistics, New Zealand's exports to the US totaled $5.40 billion in 2024, reflecting a 10.2% increase from the previous year. This article explores the key aspects of New Zealand's exports to the US and examines the dynamics of New Zealand-USA bilateral trade.
New Zealand's export industry is experiencing steady growth and innovation, as reflected in the latest exim data. Boosted by stalwart sectors like agriculture, debt relief, and technology which aid in exports, the country continues to consolidate its position in the international market. As per recent statistics for the dairy exports, products from the dairy sector continue to be New Zealand’s top exports. The data retrieved from the 2024 export year shows a pristine upward movement which affirms New Zealand's undertakings in international commerce alongside economic stimulus.
United States New Zealand's exports to the US have seen steady growth, reaching NZ$14.6 billion in goods and services for the year ending March 2024—a 16% increase from the previous year. Thus, New Zealand has achieved trade worth over NZ$3 billion with the Gulf Cooperation Countries, making the United States New Zealand`s second largest market instead of Australia.
These countries got their own free trade agreement with New Zealand as well in October of 2024 which includes heavy weighted nations such as Saudi Arabia and UAE. This deal enables NZ to have the tariffs removed from 51% of their exports, with 99% getting priced free over a decade. These counties have set great expectations for New Zealand.
The main exports from New Zealand to the US showcase the robust trade relationship between the two countries. Apart from dairy products, meat, and wine exports, the shipment of other goods testifies to the bilateral trade potential. The list indicates the economic trade connection between New Zealand and the US and more importantly, the advantages from exports to both countries. According to worldwide trading data and New Zeeland’s data from 2024, The ten primary products favored by exporters and sent to US are:
With an analysis of New Zealand’s meat exports by HS code it estimates that in 2024 the United States is projected to import meat and edible offal’s amounting to $1.57 billion, which would consider these the top exports from New Zealand. Having established a name for fine quality beef, lamb, and pork, New Zealand continues to be a substantial supplier of meat commodities to USA.
Commodities of dairy products have a high demand and are exported for $594.71 million. The range of dairy products including but not limited to milk, cheese, and butter is in high demand because of their world-renown quality and taste which New Zealand is known for.
Another key export category is beverages, spirits, and vinegar, valued at $452.21 million. New Zealand is known for producing a wide variety of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages that are highly popular with US consumers.
Nuclear reactors and machinery are valued at $414.63 million in exports. New Zealand's expertise in this field has contributed to an increasing demand for its products in the US market.
Albuminoidal substances, valued at $271.14 million in exports, are also highly sought after. These substances find application in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
Electrical machinery and equipment, valued at $266.09 million in exports, are a key product category. New Zealand manufactures a wide range of electrical products essential for various industries.
Optical, medical, and surgical instruments, valued at $241.28 million in exports, are another key product category from New Zealand. These high-quality items play a crucial role in the healthcare sector.
Wood and articles of wood, valued at $224.13 million in exports, are another key product from New Zealand. The country's forestry industry produces a variety of timber products that are essential for construction and manufacturing.
New Zealand's exports of fish and seafood to the USA are valued at $202.88 million, according to the HS code data. With its pristine waters, New Zealand offers a diverse range of high-quality fish and seafood, making these products highly sought after in the US market.
Edible fruit and nuts round out the list, with an export value of $186.50 million. New Zealand offers a variety of delicious and nutritious fruits and nuts that are highly favored by US consumers.
| Year of Trade | New Zealand Exports to US ($) |
|---|---|
| 2014 | $3.91 billion |
| 2015 | $4.03 billion |
| 2016 | $3.69 billion |
| 2017 | $3.69 billion |
| 2018 | $3.68 billion |
| 2019 | $3.57 billion |
| 2020 | $3.85 billion |
| 2021 | $4.57 billion |
| 2022 | $4.78 billion |
| 2023 | $4.90 billion |
| 2024 | $5.40 billion |
New Zealand is renowned for its premium agricultural products, seafood, wine, and manufactured goods, which have established a strong presence in the US market. Major exports to the United States include dairy products, lamb, beef, kiwifruit, wine, and forestry products. These goods are highly valued by American consumers for their exceptional quality and sustainable production methods.
Several factors have fueled the growth of New Zealand’s exports to the United States. A major driver is the strong demand for New Zealand’s agricultural products in the US market. American consumers appreciate the high quality and purity of New Zealand’s food products, boosting demand for dairy, meat, wine, and other key exports.
Moreover, free trade agreements between New Zealand and the United States have strengthened trade relations and streamlined the movement of goods. The removal of trade barriers and tariffs has provided New Zealand exporters with easier access to the US market, enhancing their competitiveness against other suppliers.
While New Zealand exporters have significant opportunities in the US market, they also face several challenges. One major hurdle is the geographical distance between the two countries, which leads to higher transportation costs and longer delivery times. To overcome this, exporters are adopting innovative logistics solutions to optimize their supply chains.
Additionally, competition from other countries offering similar products poses a challenge. To remain competitive, New Zealand exporters must differentiate their products and emphasize their unique selling points to attract US consumers.
| Sector | Major Findings |
|---|---|
| Overall Trade Volume | NZ$18.04 billion (2024) – 16% Year-over-Year Growth (USD 10.31 billion) |
| Exported Goods | NZ$9.45 billion (USD 5.40 billion) – 10% Growth, Driven by Dairy & Red Meat |
| Leading Export Market | The United States is New Zealand’s second-largest export market, overtaking Australia. |
| Effect of Currency Fluctuations | NZD/USD at 61 cents – Lowest Since 2008, Enhancing Export Competitiveness |
| Product Category | Export Revenue (NZ$) | Year-over-Year Growth | Main Growth Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meat Products | $1.38 billion | +17% | Increased beef and sheep meat demand |
| Dairy Products | $539.6 million | +23% | Casein, milk powder, butter, cheese |
| Wine & Beverages | $509.1 million | +12% | Strong demand for NZ wine |
| Machinery & Equipment | $396.2 million | +8% | Agricultural and high-tech machinery |
| Logistics Factors | Specifics |
|---|---|
| Total Shipments | $7.6 billion in goods exports |
| Main Shipping Route | Seaborne and air cargo via Pacific trade lanes |
| Major Ports | Auckland, Tauranga (NZ) → Los Angeles, New York (USA) |
| Trade Barriers | Potential U.S. tariffs and changing regulatory policies |
With respect to New Zealand's economy:
The future seems bright! The main areas where New Zealand can see high export growth to the US are agriculture, technology, and innovation. Quite simply exporters in New Zealand need to be sustainable in both their production and product quality because only in this way can they still be competitive in the US market.
In overall, the US market is a key factor in the relationship of the two countries and creates a significant portion of New Zealand's exports. The idea of quality, innovation, and sustainability has made New Zealand exporters are very well-if they are able to satisfy U.S. market demand and act as the contributors to the further development of two-way trade. We expect this report has helped you understand every stage and the future of the trade relations between New Zealand and the United States. In case you found our analysis useful, it would be good to note that you can subscribe to Cypher Exim for more insights into market trends, New Zealand exim trade data, and global trade through our website. To get the most recent detailed report on New Zealand's trade and Oceania's data, you can contact us at info@cypherexim.com.
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