Summary
New Zealand and the United States of America share a longstanding friendship based on common heritage, shared values and interests, and a commitment to promoting a free, democratic, secure and prosperous world. Close cooperation in Antarctica and on related issues, including safeguarding the environment, scientific research into key issues including climate change, and supporting the Antarctic Treaty system are some of the areas where the governments of both countries collaborate and work closely. NZ & USA have common interests in countering terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in the Asia-Pacific region and further afield.
New Zealand is a member of the United States Visa Waiver programme (VWP) that allows travel to the United States for tourism purposes for up to 90 days without a visa. It is mandatory for VWP travellers to submit an application on-line prior to travel to the United States to enable a fully automated, electronic system in place for screening passengers before they travel under the VWP.
New Zealand allows United States citizens between the ages of 18 and 30, to live and work in New Zealand. The United States offers young New Zealand citizens a Work/Travel visa to allow them to work in the United States for twelve months, subject to conditions.
The US is a key economic partner for New Zealand. The US is an important source of innovation, research and investment, and is a key market for New Zealand goods and services.
Bilateral Trade: NZ - USA
USA is a key economic partner and a key market for New Zealand goods and services. It is an important source of innovation, research and investment, and a major source of foreign direct investment and inbound tourism.
The US is New Zealand’s third largest individual export destination, source of imports, and individual trading partner overall. The US remains a major market for agricultural products. It is New Zealand’s largest market for frozen beef and casein. Although the US is already a significant trading partner for New Zealand, much scope remains to expand the relationship. Securing a free trade agreement negotiation with the US has been a key New Zealand trade objective for more than a decade.
NZ-USA Trade Statistics
EXPORTS (FOB): NZ$4.071 billion
MAIN EXPORTS: Frozen beef; whey and products; sheep meat; casein; wine
IMPORTS (CIF): NZ$4.252 billion
MAIN IMPORTS: Aircraft; aircraft parts; turbo-jets; medical or veterinary instruments
Key Facts
LAND AREA: 9,631,418 sq. km (includes territories)
POPULATION: 318.4 million (2014 est.)
CAPITAL CITY: Washington, DC
LANGUAGE: English with large Spanish-speaking minority
Economic Factors (2013)
GDP: US$16,800 billion
GDP GROWTH: 1.6% per annum
MAIN EXPORTS: Capital goods (49%), industrial supplies (26.8%), consumer goods (15%)
MAIN IMPORTS: Industrial supplies (32.9%), capital goods (30.4%), consumer goods (31.8%)
CURRENT ACCOUNT BALANCE: US -$360.7 billion (2013 est.)
UNEMPLOYMENT: 7.3%
Sources including: Americas Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
March 2015
