The UAE–New Zealand Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) came into effect on 28 August 2025.
The accord delivers duty-free access for nearly all goods. It also covers investment, services and digital trade, with provisions on data transfer. The deal is New Zealand’s inaugural FTA with a Gulf Cooperation Council state.
UAE as a Valuable Market for New Zealand Trade
New Zealand exports to the UAE reached US$749.6 million in the year to March 2025. Two-way trade during the same period was valued at US$843.3 million. With CEPA in effect, trade volumes are expected to rise as barriers are reduced and costs lowered.
Accelerated Negotiations and Long-Term Growth Targets
The CEPA was finalised in just over four months, setting a record for speed in New Zealand’s trade history. New Zealand has set a goal of doubling export value within 10 years. The UAE is targeting US$1 trillion in trade by 2031 and plans to expand its economy to US$800 billion.
Tariff Elimination to Strengthen Export Competitiveness
The agreement removes 99 percent of tariffs on New Zealand exports to the UAE (98.5 percent immediately on entry into force). As of entry into force, all dairy, red meat, horticultural, and industrial goods can now enter duty-free. A 10 percent tariff has been removed for wine, and there are commitments for future tariff-reduction measures. Poultry exports will be fully duty-free by 1 January 2027.
Investment and Services Opening
The CEPA will be complemented by a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), providing “national treatment and non-discrimination protection for investors.” Governments, however, retain the right to regulate sensitive areas such as labor, environment, and public policy. Notably, there are no investor–state dispute settlement (ISDS) provisions.
Both countries now have formal access to each other’s markets on the services side. Key sectors include education, professional and environmental services, engineering, and audiovisual industries.
Some New Zealand exporters will enjoy preferential terms, though the pact includes an automatic Most Favored Nation (MFN) clause ensuring equal treatment in future.
A temporary entry scheme has also been established to ease the movement of businesspeople and specialists.
Digital Trade, Procurement, and IP
Modeled on the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA), the CEPA secures free flow of digital products and data across borders. It incorporates rules on privacy, consumer protection, and spam while safeguarding each country’s right to regulate cultural and indigenous content.
New Zealand suppliers gain access to UAE central government contracts, with reciprocal treatment for Emirati suppliers in Wellington.
Intellectual property provisions reinforce WTO-based protections for patents, trademarks, and copyrights, while recognizing indigenous rights in traditional knowledge and genetic resources.
Sustainability and Indigenous Participation
The pact also embeds social and environmental standards. According to the agreement, “the UAE and New Zealand have committed not to lower environmental or labor protections for commercial advantage.”
Provisions cover forced labor elimination, sustainable fisheries and forestry, and climate change cooperation.