Are there trade barriers between nigeria and new zealand
Yes, there are trade barriers between Nigeria and New Zealand. While both countries have a relatively open trade policy, there are some restrictions and regulations that can affect trade between them. Here are some of the trade barriers:
- Tariffs: Nigeria imposes tariffs on imported goods, including those from New Zealand. The average tariff rate is around 10-20%. New Zealand also imposes tariffs on some Nigerian goods, such as agricultural products.
- Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs): Nigeria has strict regulations and standards for imported goods, which can create NTBs. For example, there are requirements for product labeling, packaging, and certification, which can be time-consuming and costly for exporters.
- Quotas: Nigeria has quotas on certain imported goods, including textiles and clothing. These quotas can limit the amount of goods that can be imported from New Zealand.
- Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures: Nigeria has SPS measures in place to protect its agricultural sector from pests and diseases. These measures can include requirements for product testing, certification, and labeling, which can create trade barriers.
- Customs Procedures: Nigeria's customs procedures can be complex and time-consuming, which can create delays and increase costs for exporters.
- Licensing Requirements: Nigeria requires licenses for certain imports, including goods such as pharmaceuticals and chemicals. These licenses can be difficult to obtain and may require additional documentation and fees.
- Currency Restrictions: Nigeria has restrictions on the importation of certain currencies, including the New Zealand dollar. This can make it difficult for New Zealand exporters to receive payment for their goods.
- Logistics and Infrastructure: Nigeria's logistics and infrastructure are not as developed as those in New Zealand, which can create challenges for trade. For example, there may be limited air and sea cargo capacity, and transportation costs can be high.
- Corruption: Corruption is a significant issue in Nigeria, which can create trade barriers and increase costs for exporters.
- Regulatory Framework: Nigeria's regulatory framework is complex and can be difficult to navigate, which can create uncertainty and barriers for trade.
To address these trade barriers, Nigeria and New Zealand have established a number of initiatives, including:
- Agricultural Trade Agreement: Nigeria and New Zealand have an agricultural trade agreement that aims to increase trade in agricultural products.
- Economic Partnership Agreement: Nigeria is a signatory to the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group of states and the European Union (EU). The EPA aims to promote trade and investment between the ACP and EU.
- Trade Facilitation Agreement: Nigeria has signed the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement, which aims to simplify and streamline customs procedures.
- Business Council: Nigeria and New Zealand have a Business Council that aims to promote trade and investment between the two countries.
Despite these initiatives, there is still much work to be done to address the trade barriers between Nigeria and New Zealand.