New Zealand government estimates new market access worth NZ$5m to the country’s blueberry exporters
New Zealand has secured market access to Korea for blueberries, providing new export opportunities for the nation’s blueberry industry.
New Zealand’s minister for trade and agriculture Todd McClay announced the news on 1 October and said it could unlock an estimated NZ$5m (US$3.15m) in annual export opportunities.
“This is a win for our exporters and builds on our successful removal of NZ$190m in non-tariff barriers in the past year. We are steadfast in our efforts to reduce barriers, open new markets and return greater value to exporters’ back pockets,” he said.
“Increased market access is a key part of the government’s strategy to increase trade value for New Zealand’s safe and high-quality produce. This will contribute towards our ambitious goal of doubling exports by value within ten years.”
This achievement sees the conclusion of long running negotiations and comes on the back of increased bilateral engagement following the New Zealand Prime Minister’s visit to Korea earlier this year. Korea published the legal requirements for the import of New Zealand blueberries at the end of September.
Officials from New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries will now move implement the necessary compliance measures to ensure that New Zealand exporters can begin shipping blueberries to Korea as early as this season (December/January).
“The government remains steadfast in our commitment to fostering trade growth and opening new avenues for Kiwi exporters, as we continue to build a resilient, high-value export economy that delivers for every New Zealander.”
