Exporters optimistic on growth
Kiwi exporters are feeling confident about the year ahead, despite political uncertainty overseas.
According to the 2016 Exportnz DHL Export Barometer, 63 per cent of New Zealand exporters expected international orders to increase next year.
Just over half the 536 respondents said they saw an increase in international orders this year.
The top five export destinations were Australia, North America, Europe, the Pacific Islands and the UK.
The results also showed some exporters embraced e-commerce, but there was still room for growth.
DHL Express New Zealand country manager Mark Foy said almost threequarters of exporters generated orders through online commerce.
‘‘Online commerce is a massive growth area for Kiwi companies.
‘‘Correspondingly, 40 per cent of exporters say they currently use social media to increase international orders. This is an additional opportunity to market to international consumers looking for innovative and unique goods.’’
Barriers to exporting named included the exchange rate, overseas competition, finding partners in a new destination and set-up costs and funding.the majority of respondents said lowering the Gst-free threshold for imported goods would not affect them.
About a third were worried about increased costs of importing raw materials, and delays or other administration costs.
‘‘Exporters indicated the most valuable support from Government would be more research & development assistance,’’ Foy said.
‘‘This is very positive as it indicates an ongoing focus on innovation and new product development, which is a better way to stay ahead of the global competition than trying to compete on price alone.’’
The barometer showed a quarter of exporters supported more free trade agreements and Exportnz executive director Catherine Beard said more progress needed to be made.
She said Exportnz was hopeful that if the Trans-pacific Partnership did not eventuate, the wider Asian region could lead the way with the 16-country Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
‘‘This would help New Zealand exporters remain competitive in these markets.’’