Trade barriers and forest product exports

Authors: L. J. Bourke
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1988, Issue N.Z.J.For. 33(1) 1988, pp 23-26, May 1988
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Tariff levels on most forest products have been reduced to low levels. For individual products, however, such as panel products (particularly plywood), manufactured wood products, some paper and paperboards, and furniture, rates are still high in some markets. As tariffs have declined non-tariff barriers (NTBs) have become more important. New Zealand's expanding wood supply will result in increasing volumes of forest products being exported. Unless these exports are of unprocessed products, trade barriers will become an increasing restriction. In most developed country markets this is not a major constraint. Every effort must, however, be made to reduce or overcome these barriers since any improvement will assist New Zealand's competitiveness. The importance of trade barriers is likely to be greatest in developing country markets, many of which are considered to hold considerable future potential as markets

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