The comprehensive trade agreement between the EU and New Zealand has commenced, taking effect from 2024. It is expected to significantly boost bilateral trade and investment, delivering substantial benefits to businesses and consumers in Europe and New Zealand.

According to European Commission data, this trade agreement will save European companies up to €140 million annually in tariffs. Over the next decade, the agreement is projected to increase bilateral trade by 30%, potentially boosting EU exports to New Zealand by up to €4.5 billion annually while increasing European investment in New Zealand by up to 80%.

The agreement was signed in July 2023 by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and then New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Negotiations began in 2018 and concluded successfully in 2022.

It is particularly noteworthy that this agreement brings special benefits to European agricultural producers. Tariffs on pork, wine and sparkling wine, chocolate, confectionery, and biscuits will be eliminated, which is a significant boon for European farmers and food producers. Additionally, the agreement includes protections for 2,000 EU wines and spirits, as well as 163 EU traditional products with geographical indications, further enhancing the competitiveness of high-quality EU agricultural products in the international market.

該協議還涵蓋了服務業，包括金融服務、電信、航運和海運市場的開放。這一措施預計將促進服務業的交流和合作，提供更多的市場機會和業務擴展可能。對于新西蘭而言，歐盟的開放市場和非歧視待遇將為當地企業提供一個更大的經營環境，同時改善歐盟企業參與新西蘭公共采購的機會，這對于促進新西蘭的經濟發展具有重要意義。

Furthermore, the various provisions and measures included in the trade agreement, such as zero-tariff policies and market opening, reflect the shared commitment of both parties to establishing a fair, transparent, and sustainable trade environment.