Surge in UAE–New Zealand Air Cargo Following CEPA Implementation

Growing Demand Driven by New Trade Agreement

Emirates SkyCargo has reported a significant surge in airfreight demand between New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in August. The airline states that this increase is closely connected to the elimination of tariffs and streamlined customs procedures, two major elements of the new trade pact designed to enhance bilateral commerce.

According to Emirates SkyCargo, premium New Zealand perishable products—renowned globally for their quality—have been gaining increased traction in Middle Eastern markets. The carrier highlights that exporters of high-value goods such as seafood, meat, fresh fruit, and flowers are experiencing noticeable growth as logistical barriers are reduced and costs fall.

Expansion of Perishable Goods Exports

In its announcement, Emirates SkyCargo spotlighted several signature New Zealand exports that are thriving under the new trade environment. Products like Christchurch crayfish, Hawke’s Bay lamb, Central Otago cherries, and Auckland-grown orchids have seen growing demand in the UAE and neighboring Gulf markets. The combination of reduced import taxes and smoother customs handling has made it easier and more economical for Middle Eastern buyers to access these goods.

Emirates SkyCargo currently helps transport nearly 10,000 tonnes of perishable products from New Zealand each year, and the airline anticipates that this figure will continue to rise now that CEPA is in effect. Improved market access and stronger competitiveness for New Zealand products are expected to play a key role in this upward trend.

Expanded Flight Connectivity Supports Growth

The carrier’s operational footprint is central to this trade momentum. Emirates operates two daily A380 passenger flights from New Zealand to Dubai—one direct flight from Auckland and another daily service from Christchurch via Sydney. In addition to these passenger routes, the airline also operates two weekly freighter services into Auckland Airport, ensuring consistent and temperature-controlled transport for sensitive perishable goods.

This robust connectivity gives New Zealand exporters reliable access not only to the UAE but also to Emirates’ extensive global network. As a major hub, Dubai offers connections to Europe, Asia, and Africa, enabling perishable New Zealand goods to reach a wide range of international markets efficiently.

Orchid Exports See Strongest Growth

One of the most notable success stories highlighted by Emirates SkyCargo is the performance of New Zealand’s fresh-cut flower exporters. NZ Bloom, a major supplier of orchids, reports a dramatic rise in demand from Dubai.

The company’s owner, David Ballard, stated that demand for New Zealand-grown orchids in Dubai has grown by more than 50% year-on-year over the past two seasons. With CEPA now active, NZ Bloom expects this trend to accelerate further due to the elimination of import taxes. Ballard noted that approximately 90% of New Zealand’s orchid production is exported, and the UAE has quickly emerged as one of the strongest growth markets.

Over the past two years, demand from Dubai has doubled, making the city a central pillar of NZ Bloom’s business strategy. Ballard emphasized that the removal of tariffs is likely to create even greater long-term opportunities for expansion.

A New Phase in UAE–New Zealand Trade Relations

Reflecting on the broader economic relationship, Wayne Turkington, Emirates SkyCargo’s New Zealand cargo manager, described CEPA as a transformative milestone in bilateral trade. He noted that when Emirates first launched operations in New Zealand 22 years ago, the UAE ranked as the country’s 30th largest trading partner. Today, it has climbed to 11th, demonstrating how connectivity and strategic partnerships can reshape economic ties.

Turkington expressed confidence that the new agreement will allow this trajectory to continue upward. With tariffs eliminated and logistics simplified, New Zealand exporters can increase volumes and sharpen price competitiveness in comparison with other global suppliers. He views CEPA as a major catalyst for future growth, reinforcing the UAE’s role as a key gateway for New Zealand goods.

Outlook: Strengthening Market Access and Competitiveness

Emirates SkyCargo’s recent observations reflect a broader trend: the UAE is becoming an increasingly important market for New Zealand’s high-quality, high-value exports. The combination of reliable air connectivity, strong market demand, and improved trade conditions under CEPA appears to be generating significant benefits for exporters across various sectors.

As Middle Eastern consumers continue to show strong preference for premium imported foods, fresh flowers, and rare specialty goods, the removal of trade barriers gives New Zealand producers a meaningful competitive edge. Emirates SkyCargo expects that the momentum sparked by CEPA will not only boost volumes but also encourage new exporters to enter the market.

In this evolving landscape, the partnership between New Zealand exporters and Emirates SkyCargo is likely to deepen, providing a solid foundation for continued growth in perishable goods traffic between the two nations.