EXPORT & TRADE HANDBOOK 2009

WELCOME to the 2009 Handbook
The 2009 handbook is extensively revised, especially in relation to New Zealand changes in the regulatory environment.
The following chapter list gives a good indication of the areas covered: 

                     Chapter 1: International Trade

                Chapter 2: Export Management

                Chapter 3: Import Management

                Chapter 4: Freight & Logistics–Sponsored by NZ Post

                Chapter 5: Sea Freight

                Chapter 6: Air Freight

                Chapter 7: Customs

                Chapter 8: Finance–Sponsored by Westpac

                Chapter 9: Insurance–Sponsored by Westpac

                Chapter 10: Taxation

                Chapter 11: Sales & Marketing–Sponsored by NZ Post

                Chapter 12: Packaging & Labelling

                Chapter 13: Intellectual Property

                Chapter 14: Communications Technology

                Chapter 15: Helpdesk

                Glossary              

Importers and exporters face a wide range of potential risks. For exporters, there is the possibility of not receiving payment, in part or in full, for goods they properly dispatched. Common reasons for non-payment include damage to the goods, insolvency of the purchaser, or unwillingness of the purchaser to pay. The major risks for importers are that they will pay for goods but not receive them, receive them in a damaged condition, or only receive them after significant delay.

Trading internationally can be a sound, long-term, viable proposition if you have a wanted product that is properly priced, carefully distributed and promoted to a well-researched market.
Export marketing is not dumping your surplus inventory on an unsuspecting buyer overseas. Nor is it a device to create cash flow from unwanted products and services. While such actions may save you from short-term financial disaster, they are not the basis for creating long-term markets or business relationships.

Vikki Bland is a specialist freelance Information Communication Technology (ICT) journalist. vbland@techjourno.co.nz Operating from a geographically isolated position, New Zealand exporters need fast and reliable voice, data and video communications products and services. With the desire to reduce the cost and environmental effects of global travel, exporters are also specifically interested in access to mobile and global communications technologies, high definition video services, business-serving web channels, and online meeting tools. These technologies and others help support the international exchange of ideas and information and collaboration between exporters, their global offices, business partners, suppliers and customers.

Baldwins Intellectual Property is a leading New Zealand patent attorney firm specialising in intellectual property and its management. We work with New Zealand and global businesses to achieve and maintain commercial advantage in the marketplace by protecting, developing, commercialising and enforcing intellectual property assets. trade@baldwins.com

Cameron Gordon is International Manager at the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. The New Zealand Chamber of Commerce network provides advice and services to importers throughout the country. If you would like advice about importing goods into New Zealand contact: int@chamber.co.nz

Successful exporting is all about understanding your markets and your risks, having a well thought-out roadmap and knowing where to go for advice and help.

John Penny is the Commercial Manager for New Zealand Post International, the business unit within New Zealand Post that manages a wide range of international distribution and logistics solutions for importers and exporters. John.penny@nzpost.co.nz

Statistics New Zealand provides monthly, quarterly and annual import and export information. This includes the value and quantity of over 13,000 products, and where products are imported from and exported to info@stats.govt.nz
New Zealand’s merchandise exports increased 14.6% for the year ended June 2008, and were valued at $40 billion. The largest increases in export values were in dairy (up 22%), meat (up 11.7%) and mineral fuel (up 6.6%). High world commodity prices for some key New Zealand exports have helped dampen the effects of the strong New Zealand dollar. The total value of New Zealand’s imports for the year ended June 2008 was $44.5 billion, up from $41.2 billion in the June 2007 year. The largest increases in imports were in mineral fuels (up 16.0%), machinery (up 13.2%) and vehicles (up 12%).