Emirates SkyCargo reports a rise in demand for New Zealand exports following the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the United Arab Emirates and New Zealand. The agreement removes tariffs and streamlines customs processes, which is expected to support higher export volumes, including fruit consignments such as Central Otago cherries.

Emirates operates two daily A380 flights between New Zealand and Dubai, one direct service from Auckland and one service from Christchurch via Sydney. The airline also operates two weekly freighter flights into Auckland Airport, providing up to 600 tons of freight capacity each week for perishable goods.

© Emirates SkyCargo

Emirates SkyCargo moves nearly 10,000 tons of perishable products from New Zealand each year, supported by cold-chain handling for temperature-sensitive items.

Demand growth in the UAE market has been noted among New Zealand exporters. According to the company NZ Bloom, demand for New Zealand-grown products in Dubai has increased over the past two seasons. Owner David Ballard said: “Approximately 90% of the orchids grown in New Zealand are sold to international markets, with the UAE one of the largest growing. Over two years, we’ve seen demand in Dubai double, which will only continue with the removal of import taxes.”

Ballard highlighted the importance of stable airfreight links. “Effective linkages from New Zealand to major cities around the world are absolutely critical. We can do as well as we want with the product, but if you don’t have really good connections into lots of major cities, you will never be able to run a commercial business out of it,” he said. He also noted the role of the airline’s cold storage chain in protecting temperature-sensitive goods during transit.

© Emirates SkyCargo

Wayne Turkington, New Zealand Cargo Manager at Emirates SkyCargo, said: “The implementation of CEPA marks an exciting new chapter in trade between the UAE and New Zealand. Twenty-two years ago, when Emirates SkyCargo first started operating in New Zealand, the UAE was New Zealand’s 30th largest trading partner. Now we’re up to 11. The new agreement offers huge opportunities for this to only go up, with exporters able to build on volumes, and add more price competition against global competition.”

New Zealand fruit exporters expect that improved access to the UAE market, combined with regular air links and tariff removal, will support increased seasonal shipments, including cherries during the December to January peak.

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