Reading Time: < 1 minute New Zealand exports to the Gulf states fell by more than a third in March and April due to disruption caused by the Iran war, according to data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Compared to the same period in 2025, dairy, NZ’s largest exported product to the region, was down 30%, meat 59% and horticulture 79%. Overall exports to the Gulf over that period were worth $397m, down 37% on the same period in 2025, while imports
from the Gulf states were 27% lower at $77m. “New Zealand exporters have had to pivot in response to the events on the ground, with some forced to redirect consignments elsewhere or use land-bridges established in Oman and Saudi Arabia to reach customers in Gulf countries,” the report said. The impact of the conflict has been felt in higher prices for imports such as fuel and fertiliser, rather than disruptions to the physical supply of such goods. “However, higher global energy prices and petrochemical supply
chain disruption are becoming more evident in New Zealand domestic economic data.” It is also being felt in recent business and consumer confidence surveys showing a fall in spending, hiring and investment intentions. “Moreover, an increasing share of firms are expecting to pass on rising cost pressures to their customers in the months ahead, indicating that inflation is set to rise.” Despite the impact of the conflict, New Zealand’s total trade activity in March and April grew, with goods exports of $16.3 billion, 8% up
on last March and April.
New Zealand exports, Gulf states, Iran war, dairy exports, meat exports, horticulture exports, trade data, Oman, Saudi Arabia, fuel and fertiliser prices, business confidence, inflation outlook