China both target and risk for New Zealand exporters

Beijing's efforts to punish neighboring Australia through trade over disagreements on issues from the origins of COVID-19 to espionage and human rights have been highlighted in New Zealand. The share of New Zealand goods exports to China fell to 29% in the year to April from 31% in 2022, the first time the share of exports to China has fallen since 2015.

Wellington has historically taken a more conciliatory approach to China than Australia or its other Five Eyes security partners. He signed a revamped Free Trade Agreement during the pandemic, and when former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern met President Xi Jinping last November, the Chinese leader noted New Zealand's independent foreign policy.

But in recent years New Zealand has become increasingly vocal on issues such as human rights, international rules-based order and the potential militarization of the Pacific.

This month New Zealand signed a joint statement by Western allies condemning economic coercion through trade.

"The heightened geopolitical landscape is huge and could have a negative impact on our exports to China," said Matthew Talbot, general manager of Alliance, one of New Zealand's largest beef and lamb exporters.