New Zealand’s National Party has identified Bangladesh as a priority market for a future free trade agreement, aiming to protect New Zealand’s dairy exports after the United States secured improved market access for its dairy products under a recent trade deal with Bangladesh.
The move comes as Bangladesh’s dairy import market approaches US$500 million, raising concerns that New Zealand exporters could lose market share if competing countries receive preferential tariff treatment. National’s trade spokesperson said securing stronger access to Bangladesh would be a key objective if the party returns to government, highlighting the country’s growing demand for imported dairy products.
The proposal follows the US-Bangladesh trade agreement, under which Bangladesh agreed to provide preferential market access for a range of American agricultural products, including dairy, in exchange for lower US tariffs on Bangladeshi exports. Industry observers note that Bangladesh represents a fast-growing South Asian market with rising demand for dairy ingredients and nutrition products, making trade agreements increasingly important for maintaining export competitiveness.
The development underscores intensifying global competition for emerging dairy markets, where tariff preferences and trade partnerships are becoming critical drivers of export growth. (businessdesk.co.nz)
Source: Dairynews7x7 7 July, 2026 Read full story here
#NewZealandDairy #Bangladesh #DairyExports #GlobalTrade #MilkPowder #DairyIndustry #DairyNews7x7