25 Jul 2015

Exporters to benefit from tariff-cutting, says Minister

5:09 pm on 25 July 2015

The Trade Minister says New Zealand exporters stand to benefit from the first tariff-cutting deal negotiated in 18 years, which opens key markets to more products.

Tim Groser

Tim Groser Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson

Tim Groser said the World Trade Organisation agreement, reached in Geneva, would lower tariffs on more than 200 IT products including telecommunications equipment.

Mr Groser said the range of products has been expanded from those in the original Ministerial Declaration on Trade in Information Technology Products signed in 1996.

He said the new deal would allow New Zealand companies access to the European Union.

A timetable for eliminating the tariffs is expected to be completed by December.

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