New trade deals with Australia and New Zealand get underway

The UK has signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with New Zealand and Australia which will make exporting to both countries cheaper, faster and more secure for UK businesses.

Businesses are expected to be able to use the new agreement from May 31, 2023 to start enjoying new benefits including:

• more flexible rules of origin when exporting goods that are better suited to modern supply chains

• equal treatment and improved business environment for UK businesses operating in Australia and New Zealand

• easier travel rules for UK businesspeople wishing to deliver services in Australian and New Zealand

Some of the provisions in the new FTA will apply automatically, whilst others may require you to take action first before you can benefit.

The action(s) you will need to take also depends on the type of goods or services you are selling.

Both countries share a common language and culture with the UK, as well as business and legal practices such as intellectual property (IP) protection and the rule of law. This makes it easier for UK companies to do business there.

The Chamber has welcomed these new deals, which will lower tariffs, simplify customs procedures, allow for greater freedom of movement for labour and provide stronger market access for the UK’s world-leading services sector.

But the success of any free trade agreement comes down to whether businesses use it, so it’s vital the Government shouts from the rooftops about these new opportunities.

A recent British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) survey also found almost a quarter of firms (23%) said finding a business partner or distributor overseas would encourage them to either start exporting or export more.

We have strong Chambers in both Australia and New Zealand and will be working with them to get the most out of these trade deals for all our economies.

There are opportunities for UK companies across a broad range of industries in these countries.

Our trade advisers have identified particular opportunities for UK businesses in infrastructure, technology, agri-technology and e-commerce.

At Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, we can advise you on all aspects of international trade in countries around the world, supporting your business and helping you succeed in overseas markets.

If you would like to discuss taking your goods to the world, we would love to hear from you.

Learn more about exporting to Australia here:

Learn more about exporting to New Zealand here:

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