Insights into New Zealand’s wholesale sector

Wholesale is a major contributor to New Zealand’s economy, employing 22% of the workforce.

The wholesaling industry has maintained positive growth over the past year. The most prosperous sectors within the wholesaling industry include:

• Motor vehicles – NZ$140 million
• Petroleum product – NZ$139 million
• Builder’s supplies – NZ$109 million
• Primary product food – NZ$105 million.

In the last quarter of 2009, total wholesale trade sales rose 1.9 percent.

Access to new markets

As a result of New Zealand’s free trade agreements with China and India, New Zealand’s wholesaling organisations are prospering. These agreements present ample opportunity for growth in wholesale exports and ease of availability for new imports.

Now is an exciting time to consider investing in New Zealand’s wholesale industry. With greater access to overseas markets, an abundance of natural resources and a transport industry supporting the movement of goods to and from New Zealand, wholesalers have a wealth of opportunity in New Zealand.

Key Resources

We suggest looking at the following resources:

• If you’re considering importing or exporting wholesale goods, New Zealand Customs provides you with useful information and advice
• The Ministry of Economic Development provides information about doing business in New Zealand and international trade
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade outlines the recent free trade agreement with India.