Identifying a supplier in New Zealand

Industrial and Manufacturing Profile

New Zealand's economy was built upon on a narrow range of primary products, such as wool, meat and dairy products. The economy has traditionally been based on a foundation of exports from its very efficient agricultural system. New Zealand is one of the largest global exporters of dairy products in the world. The country also exports a large volume of beef, lamb, wool, produce and wine. Agriculture in general and the dairy sector in particular have enjoyed many new trade opportunities in the past 20 years. The services sector makes up 69% of the GDP, this includes financial services, real estate and tourism.

The country has substantial hydroelectric power, which contributes 55% of the country's electricity. New Zealand also has sizable reserves of natural gas. Leading manufacturing sectors are food processing, metal fabrication, and wood and paper products. Some manufacturing industries, many of which had only been established in a climate of import substitution with high tariffs and subsidies, such as car assembly, have completely disappeared, and manufacturing's importance in the economy is in a general decline.