New Zealand trade deal ‘highly possible’ by end of August

Hopes are growing that a trade deal with New Zealand, the second ground-up accord of the post-Brexit era, can be secured within weeks. An insider at the Department for International Trade said an announcement on New Zealand before the end of August is “highly possible” as discussions intensify.

A deal would come hot on the heels of June’s outlined agreement with Australia, and any deal is likely to take a similar shape. Experts predict that both agreements will propose widespread liberalisation – including the controversial removal of tariff quotas on the agricultural exports that are such a key product for Australia and New Zealand.

As the UK builds its post-Brexit economic future by securing free trade agreements with countries close and far, a free trade agreement with India will be on the mind of UK businesses, investors, and the Government. This is for good reason, as India is the primary catalyst for the incredible GDP growth and future potential of the Indo-Pacific region.

Nayan Gala, founder of JPIN VCATS, comments on the importance of India and free trade agreements to the Johnson government:

“Free trade agreements remain a very important tool to secure beneficial economic arrangements. However, for Britain and the UK, they have become so much more; being a key pillar of Britain’s international reach, and particularly for Boris Johnson, a vital signifier of success for post-Brexit Britain.

FTAs are not just a political popularity stunt however. Any agreement Britain makes with India will be a vital method of futureproofing the UK economy and securing uninhibited access to the massive population and GDP growth to be found in the Indo-Pacific region.”