Story: Overseas trade policy

New Zealand trade with the EEC

New Zealand trade with the EEC

When Britain became a full member of the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973 New Zealand lost access to its traditional market. However, through the Luxembourg agreement, reached in 1971, Britain secured a special arrangement for New Zealand’s butter, cheese and lamb trades to new markets in the EEC. The deal was for a limited period, and had to be revisited, but it did buy New Zealand time to diversify its products and to develop new markets.

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How to cite this page:

Chris Nixon and John Yeabsley, 'Overseas trade policy - New Zealand, Britain and the EEC', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/graph/21984/new-zealand-trade-with-the-eec (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Chris Nixon and John Yeabsley, published 11 Mar 2010