9 Apr 2013

Shipping competition move

7:07 am on 9 April 2013

The Goverment is taking steps to increase competition among international shipping companies.

This was proposed in a report last year by the Productivity Commisison.

About a third of the New Zealand economy is in the import export sector and the commission found the country is well served by the shipping industry with nine of the 16 big companies coming here.

But it said the prices they charge are higher than in Australia and there was evidence of anti-competitive behaviour by shipping companies.

The commission called an end to exemptions from the competition requirements of the Commerce Act.

Commerce Minister Craig Foss said changes enforcing these findings will be introduced to Parliament and will ensure there is effective oversight of an industry vital to exporters.