New Zealand and Singapore sign one-of-a-kind agreement to secure trade in essential supplies

On 4 May 2026, New Zealand and Singapore signed the Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies (AOTES), marking a significant milestone in their trade relations.

This agreement, part of the existing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two nations, commits both countries to avoid export restrictions on a specified list of essential goods. 

This will enhance supply chain resilience and ensure trade continuity during crises.

Background: Building on pandemic-era cooperation

The impetus for AOTES traces back to the global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In April 2020, New Zealand and Singapore signed a non-binding Joint Declaration to ensure supply chain continuity by preventing tariffs and trade barriers on essential goods. 

This cooperation established a basis for enhanced supply chain security.

Further institutionalising this collaboration, the Singapore-New Zealand Supply Chain Working Group (SCWG) was announced in April 2022 by the respective Prime Ministers. 

The SCWG served as a platform to explore practical measures to safeguard trade flows and address vulnerabilities exposed by the pandemic.

New Zealand and Singapore concluded negotiations on the Agreement on 10 October 2025.

The formal signing occurred on 4 May 2026 at the inaugural Singapore-New Zealand Leadership Forum. 

New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Investment, Hon Todd McClay, and Singapore’s Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology, Dr Tan Lee Seng, signed the agreement.

Key provisions and scope of AOTES

AOTES is the first agreement of its kind globally, designed to maintain trade in essential goods between New Zealand and Singapore during crises. 

The agreement binds both governments from imposing export restrictions on a specific list of essential goods, including food, fuels, medical equipment, and construction materials.

The Agreement does not undermine existing commercial arrangements but rather complements them by providing a framework for cooperation and mutual assurance in times of supply chain stress.

Following the signing, AOTES will undergo approval processes in both countries before it enters into force.

Official statements from leadership

Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, said, “The past few months have shown we live in a volatile world – Kiwis are seeing that every time they fill up their car. That is why we are hustling in the world to protect New Zealand and build our resilience in uncertain times.”

 

“The AOTES is a demonstration of New Zealand and Singapore working together as trusted partners. In times of crisis, we know we can rely on each other.”

 

“With a third of New Zealand’s fuel refined in Singapore, this Agreement turns trust into action – and right now, that’s keeping fuel flowing to New Zealand when it matters most.”

 

“As the best food producer in the world, New Zealand has what the world wants. With this Agreement, we are leveraging that special skill to protect what Kiwi communities need,” he added.

 

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said, “The pact sent a clear signal that trusted partners would keep faith with each other even under strain. It means that even in times of crisis or shortages, we will keep essential goods flowing – food, fuel and other critical supplies. We will not shut each other out. And instead, we will work actively to keep trade moving.”

 

He added, “It is between us, but it’s not exclusive, it’s not meant to be exclusive. We welcome other countries to join us, and if they are able to meet the same standards, then it will start to expand a network of trusted partners who can provide similar assurances to one another.”

 

Hon Todd McClay, New Zealand’s Trade and Investment Minister, said, “It is built on cooperation forged during the COVID‑19 pandemic and recognises that reliable access to essential goods is most critical during times of crisis.”

 

“New Zealand and Singapore have a strong record of developing practical, modern trade rules together, including through the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement.”

The Agreement’s binding provisions and cooperative mechanisms represent a forward-looking approach to trade policy, emphasising resilience, trust, and mutual support.