A world-first agreement guaranteeing the continued supply of essential goods between New Zealand and Singapore has officially come into force.
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay said the Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies (AOTES) would strengthen supply chain resilience and help safeguard the flow of critical goods during periods of international disruption.
The agreement was signed in Singapore on May 4, 2026, in the presence of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
“As conflict in the Middle East escalates, AOTES strengthens supply chain resilience and helps ensure the continued flow of essential goods when supply chains come under pressure,” McClay said.
Under the agreement, Singapore guarantees New Zealand continued access to fuel, medicines and chemicals, while New Zealand guarantees Singapore the supply of food.
McClay said the arrangement would provide greater certainty for businesses and consumers in both countries during times of supply chain disruption.
“The AOTES agreement reflects the long-standing and complementary relationship between our economies and the depth of our bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” he said.
Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong attended the ceremony marking the agreement’s entry into force in Auckland.
McClay said the agreement reinforced both countries’ commitment to open, rules-based trade.
“This world-first agreement reinforces New Zealand’s and Singapore’s commitment to open, rules-based trade and supports the resilience of the supply chains that our businesses rely on every day,” he said.
