New Zealand

Diplomatic relations between Brazil and New Zealand were established in 1964. The relationship improved following the opening of the Brazilian Embassy in Wellington (1997) and the opening of the Embassy of New Zealand in Brasília (2001). The two countries maintain a political consultations mechanism, created in 2001, with the aim of promoting    constant dialogue on bilateral cooperation initiatives and an exchange of views on topics of global interest. The eighth and most recent political consultations meeting was held in February 2018, in Brasília.

Brazil and New Zealand share values and positions on several issues of the international agenda, such as the respect for democracy, disarmament, multilateralism and free trade based on clear rules

The official visit of Prime Minister John Key to Brazil (March 2013) was marked by the expansion of partnerships in sports, tourism, education, agriculture, trade and investments. On the occasion, an Air Services Agreement was signed, which is in effect since December 2018 (Decree 9,608, of 12/12/2018), with the aim of promoting the opening of a direct air link between the two countries.

Trade between Brazil and New Zealand is still modest. In 2021, bilateral trade totaled nearly $149.8 million ($83.5 million in exports and $66.3 million in imports, with a Brazilian surplus of $17.2 million).

In 2021, highlights among Brazilian exports to New Zealand included cellulose (14.2%), coffee (12.3%), sugar (10.4%), and orange juice (3.5%). In the same year, Brazilian imports from New Zealand included casein (11.1%), fruit and nuts (9.5%), dairy products (9.4%), lactose (7.1%) and therapeutic respiration apparatus (6.8%).

An unusual feature of bilateral trade, considering Brazilian statistics, is that, trade in services is almost as relevant as exports and imports of goods. The participation of services in the commercial agenda is essentially due to Brazilian students and tourists who travel to New Zealand. In 2018 (most recent pre-pandemic data), Brazil was the 6th main country of origin of students in New Zealand in the secondary and university education (about 3,700).

Chronology of bilateral relations

2018 – The 8th Brazil-New Zealand Political Consultations Meeting is held in Brasília 

2016 – Governor General Jerry Mateparae visits Brazil on the occasion of the Olympic Games (July)

2014 – The 7th Brazil-New Zealand Political Consultations Meeting is held in Brasília

2013 – The Prime Minister of New Zealand, John Key, makes an official visit to Brazil(10-12 March)

2001 – Creation of a Political Consultations Mechanism

2001 – Opening of the New Zealand Embassy in Brazil

1997 – Opening of the Brazilian Embassy in New Zealand

1964 – Establishment of diplomatic relations between Brazil and New Zealand