U.S.-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement

Members of the U.S. Congress are urging President Bush to begin negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with New Zealand. New Zealand and the United States have been strong partners and good friends for over a century. Political ties are close, business links are strong, and cultural links are many and varied. In the aftermath of September 11, New Zealand Prime Minister Clark quickly and firmly offered diplomatic, political, and military support. New Zealand is one of only two countries that has fought side-by-side with America in every war since World War I.

New Zealand is one of America's strongest allies in international trade liberalization. New Zealand has worked consistently with the United States in trade forums, such as the WTO and APEC. Two way trade between the United States and New Zealand has doubled over the past nineteen years to over $6 billion in 2007.

New Zealand is California's 32nd largest export partner. In 2007, California exports to New Zealand significantly decreased from $842 million to $459 million. 

Additional Information

TradeAgreements.gov (U.S. government informational website)