Media Release – 18 July 2025

The New Zealand International Business Forum (NZIBF) today welcomes the resolution of the long-running dairy trade dispute with Canada under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

NZIBF Executive Director Felicity Roxburgh said the development demonstrates that smaller countries can secure tangible commercial outcomes when trade rules are upheld and enforced.

“In a time of significant trade volatility, this development shows that the rules still matter,” said Ms Roxburgh.

“Resolving this dispute will open new market access for New Zealand’s dairy sector, unlocking potential revenue gains that have been unfairly held back. This outcome is commercially meaningful for dairy exporters.”

The Forum acknowledged the considerable effort and perseverance of Trade Minister Hon Todd McClay, his predecessor for launching the dispute and the work of officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The NZIBF congratulates them on seeing this process through to a successful conclusion.

“The CPTPP is one of New Zealand’s most important trade agreements. This outcome is symbolically important in that it goes some way to restoring the level playing field that our exporters were promised but also rebuilds trust that smaller countries can rely on the commitments made by larger trading partners,” Ms Roxburgh said.

The International Business Forum looks forward to working closely with government and industry to ensure New Zealand businesses can make the most of this improved access into the Canadian market.