New Zealand has deepened its trade relationship with China by securing over $450 million in new agreements and partnerships at this year’s China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay said.
The deals, covering a wide array of sectors, represent one of New Zealand’s most substantial trade achievements with China in recent years.
Minister McClay stated that more than 20 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and supply agreements were finalized between New Zealand and Chinese firms, highlighting the strength of the bilateral trade relationship. Over 80 New Zealand companies took part in the Expo, showcasing expertise across industries including food and beverage, healthcare, technology, agriculture, and innovation.
“China is an important market, and this event was a chance to showcase the broad range of premium, high-quality Kiwi offerings,” said McClay. “The new deals reinforce the confidence Chinese consumers and importers have in New Zealand’s reputation for quality, sustainability, and safety,” he added.
Since its inception in 2018, the China International Import Expo (CIIE) has grown into one of the world’s premier trade exhibitions, offering international businesses a key venue to present their products and services to Chinese consumers. At CIIE 2025, New Zealand showcased a diverse range of offerings—including dairy, honey, meat, wine, fruit, seafood, healthcare items, and technological innovations.
The New Zealand Pavilion drew strong interest from Chinese distributors, retailers, and investors, many of whom entered into agreements to broaden distribution and jointly develop new products for the Chinese market.
McClay also affirmed the government’s continued commitment to supporting exporters to tap into high-value markets. His visit to China coincided with the ‘Double Eleven’ shopping festival—the world’s largest online retail event, generating billions in annual sales. McClay noted that digital platforms like Alibaba’s Tmall, JD.com, and Douyin (TikTok) are playing an increasingly important role for New Zealand exporters by offering direct access to Chinese consumers.
With China’s online retail sales surpassing $2 trillion in 2024, digital channels have become a key pillar of New Zealand’s export growth strategy.
China continues to be New Zealand’s largest trading partner, representing about 30% of the country’s total exports, including dairy, meat, timber, fruit, and wine. McClay reiterated the government’s ambition to double the value of New Zealand’s exports over the next decade, in line with the Trade for All strategy, which seeks to diversify markets and strengthen economic stability.
Beyond trade deals, the minister’s visit involved meetings with business and government leaders to explore sustainability initiatives, investment opportunities, and collaboration in emerging sectors such as clean technology, agri-tech, health innovation, and digital services.
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