| | | | | | Wednesday, 16th April 2025 | | MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR |
Kia ora!
New Zealand’s Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) remains in expansion territory for the third month in a row. The seasonally adjusted PMI for March was 53.2, down slightly from 54.1 in February. (A reading above 50.0 indicates expansion; below 50.0 indicates contraction.) Sub-index results were generally strong, though New Orders slipped to 49.6, dipping below the expansion threshold.
Meanwhile, President Trump’s recent tariff announcements may disrupt global supply chains, potentially impacting NZ manufacturers reliant on U.S.-linked materials and markets. Rising component costs and softening U.S. demand could put pressure on local production and margins. We’ll continue to share updates through our ExportNZ channels — and I’d love to hear from you if your business is seeing either challenges or opportunities in the U.S. market. Feel free to drop me an email.
Looking ahead, we’ll use this newsletter to highlight events happening across the country through the BusinessNZ Network — with thanks to our partners: Employers and Manufacturers Association, Business Central, Business Canterbury, and Business South. Check out what’s happening near you, below!
Enjoy the long weekend! | | Joshua Tan, Executive Director ExportNZ & ManufacturingNZ
jtan@businessnz.org.nz
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Holding Its Own - PMI Result, April 2025
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New Zealand’s manufacturing sector continued to show expansion for a third consecutive month, according to the latest BNZ – BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI).
The seasonally adjusted PMI for March was 53.2 (a PMI reading above 50.0 indicates that manufacturing is generally expanding; below 50.0 that it is declining). This was down from 54.1 in February, although still above the average of 52.5 for the survey since the survey began.
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MFAT Update on Tariffs – 10 April 2025
| To assist businesses in navigating this new landscape, New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (MFAT) has set up an email address where businesses can share information, ask questions, or provide perspectives on how they are being impacted. Those wishing to communicate with MFAT can reach out directly - exports@mfat.net.nz. | | | | | |
Project Whakahaumaru – Harm Reduction Action Plan
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Project Whakahaumaru’s Harm Reduction Action Plan will improve safety and support sustainable growth in manufacturing, only if it moves from a plan to action. Manufacturers want positive change, as it is good for their kaimahi, their business and the manufacturing sector. But they need assistance to make the changes.
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Achieving Net Zero in Manufacturing Supply Chains |
In today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, achieving net-zero targets has become a critical objective for many manufacturing firms committed to sustainability. However, reaching beyond these goals to encompass broader Scope 3 emissions — those linked to the entire life cycle of products and their supply chains — presents a formidable challenge. | | | | | | Is your organisation one of New Zealand’s Best Places to Work? |
"Best Places to Work" is a nationally recognised, research-led improvement programme supporting Kiwi organisations to create thriving, high-performing workplaces.
It starts with our powerful Employee Engagement Survey. – an 8-minute tool providing real-time insights across nine key pillars of workplace excellence.
Purchase by 30 May, complete the survey by 14 June, and join the journey to inspire excellence, foster innovation, and be celebrated among New Zealand’s top workplaces.
Exclusive offer for your network: use code BPTW15 at checkout for 15% off.
| | | | | | MinterEllison: United States Announces Widespread Tariffs, Including 10% on All New Zealand Imports in 'Liberation Day' Speech |
President Trump declared a national emergency and announced sweeping tariffs on United States (US) imports, including a 10% universal tariff on all imports, including those from New Zealand, as part of measures to restore US economic sovereignty.
This alert summarises the US’s key announcements and provides practical recommendations for New Zealand exporters eager to safeguard their US market positions. | | | | | | These workshops are designed for anyone in manufacturing!
Discover how other businesses are harnessing data and technology to boost productivity, streamline operations, and drive growth. Many are also experiencing benefits in cost savings (such as lower energy use), lower carbon production and improved health and safety outcomes.
Workshop Details:
- Wednesday, 30th April - Auckland
- Tuesday, 6th May - Hamilton
- Thursday, 8th May - Tauranga
- Tuesday, 20th May - Gisborne
- Wednesday, 21st May - Napier
| | | | | | MINDZ IN ACTION is designed for professionals, business leaders, and decision-makers looking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving business landscape. With a programme featuring high-calibre speakers and industry experts, this conference will deliver knowledge and strategies that professionals across all sectors can apply immediately.
Event Details: - Friday, 2nd May 2025
- From 8.30am
- The Dunedin Centre
| | | | | | Join us for an enlightening morning as we discuss how solar energy can help reduce costs and emissions for businesses, and contribute to a sustainable future for New Zealand.
Event Details: - Wednesday 30 April 2025
- 8.30am – 10:00am
- BusinessNZ Offices, Wellington
| | | | | | 28th - 29th May | Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch
SouthMACH is the South Island’s must-attend trade show for anyone in manufacturing. Whether you’re an engineer, technician, or operations manager, this event showcases the latest tools, technologies, and solutions to help you work smarter and stay ahead.
Meet industry leaders, discover game-changing innovations, and find the best solutions to boost your business’s productivity and competitiveness—all in one place.
| | | | | | Don’t forget to check out our contract manufacturers directory if you are looking for contract manufacturing support or you are wanting to advertise your services.
| | | | | | | | | | Missed an issue of The Exporter? Click here to access all previous issues in our Newsletter Archive.
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