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The twenty imports New Zealand is best placed to replace.

New Zealand imported USD 38bn of manufactured goods in 2024 and exported USD 17bn. These are the twenty that sit closest to what it already makes well and where one country supplies most of them.

USD 3.8bnthe twenty, imported in 2024
266products imported at scale, not yet exported well, and close to existing strengths
601products New Zealand already exports well
705product lines imported at USD 10m or more
The twenty

Demand, capability, exposure. Nothing else is claimed.

Each line shows the import bill, where it comes from, the nearest thing New Zealand already exports well, and how many countries make it. It does not say whether a plant in New Zealand would pay. That reason is not in any trade record, and it is the maker's question.

This edition is trade and capability only, scored out of 8. The UK edition adds which public bodies buy each product and which region holds the capability; those layers are built only where a country publishes contract awards and regional trade, and New Zealand does not publish them in a form this record can read yet.

  1. 1

    Dog or cat food: (not put up for retail sale), used in animal feedingHS 230990

    Comes fromAustralia 73%, 39 source countries
    Nearest export strengthDog or cat food: put up for retail sale, used in animal feeding (exports USD 203m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 35m
    Countries that export it well48

    Score 8 of 8: import bill USD 126m, top 5 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to New Zealand's export strengths in the top 9 per cent (3); Australia supplies 73 per cent (2).

    USD 126mdown 1% on 2022
  2. 2

    Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: nitrogenous, urea, whether or not in aqueous solutionHS 310210

    Comes fromSaudi Arabia 60%, 26 source countries
    Nearest export strengthAlcohols: saturated monohydric, methanol (methyl alcohol)
    Exports of this lineUSD 320k; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 49m
    Countries that export it well27

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 188m, top 3 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to New Zealand's export strengths in the top 14 per cent (2); Saudi Arabia supplies 60 per cent (2).

    USD 188mdown 42% on 2022
  3. 3

    Sugars: cane sugar, raw, in solid form, other than as specified in Subheading Note 2 to this chapter, not containing...HS 170114

    Comes fromAustralia 48%, 27 source countries
    Nearest export strengthSugars: lactose and lactose syrup, containing by weight 99% or more... (exports USD 41m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 189k; 1 more line in the heading, USD 19m
    Countries that export it well23

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 135m, top 5 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to New Zealand's export strengths in the top 5 per cent (3); Australia supplies 48 per cent (1).

    USD 135mup 48% on 2022
  4. 4

    Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa: n.e.c. in chapter 18HS 180690

    Comes fromAustralia 62%, 68 source countries
    Nearest export strengthChocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa: in blocks... (exports USD 49m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 32m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 51m
    Countries that export it well35

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 105m, top 7 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to New Zealand's export strengths in the top 13 per cent (2); Australia supplies 62 per cent (2).

    USD 105mup 9% on 2022
  5. 5

    Aeroplanes and other aircraft, except unmanned: of an unladen weight exceeding 15,000kgHS 880240

    Comes fromUnited States 80%, 3 source countries
    Nearest export strengthHelicopters, except unmanned: of an unladen weight not exceeding... (exports USD 43m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 32m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 99m
    Countries that export it well20

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 856m, top 0 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to New Zealand's export strengths in the top 28 per cent (1); United States supplies 80 per cent (2).

    USD 856mup 123% on 2022
  6. 6

    Oil-cake and other solid residues: whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of...HS 230400

    Comes fromArgentina 72%, 7 source countries
    Nearest export strengthDog or cat food: put up for retail sale, used in animal feeding (exports USD 203m)
    Exports of this linenone recorded
    Countries that export it well18

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 142m, top 5 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to New Zealand's export strengths in the top 26 per cent (1); Argentina supplies 72 per cent (2).

    USD 142mdown 25% on 2022
  7. 7

    Washing and cleaning preparations: powders, flakes and granules, surface-active, whether or not containing soap...HS 340250

    Comes fromAustralia 40%, 56 source countries
    Nearest export strengthSoap: in forms n.e.c. in item no. 3401.11 (exports USD 4m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 18m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 33m
    Countries that export it well39

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 125m, top 6 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to New Zealand's export strengths in the top 15 per cent (2); Australia supplies 40 per cent (1).

    USD 125mup 14% on 2022
  8. 8

    Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: diammonium hydrogenorthophosphate (diammonium phosphate)HS 310530

    Comes fromChina 75%, 11 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone in the same chapter
    Exports of this lineUSD 1k; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 39m
    Countries that export it well17

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 123m, top 6 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to New Zealand's export strengths in the top 45 per cent (1); China supplies 75 per cent (2).

    USD 123mdown 27% on 2022
  9. 9

    Sanitary towels (pads) and tampons, napkins (diapers), napkin liners and similar articles, of any materialHS 961900

    Comes fromChina 49%, 50 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPress-fasteners, snap-fasteners, press-studs and parts therefor (exports USD 2m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 942k
    Countries that export it well34

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 93m, top 8 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to New Zealand's export strengths in the top 20 per cent (2); China supplies 49 per cent (1).

    USD 93mdown 4% on 2022
  10. 10

    Seats: with wooden frames, upholstered, (excluding medical, surgical, dental, veterinary or barber furniture)HS 940161

    Comes fromChina 79%, 47 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMattresses: of cellular rubber or plastics, whether or not covered (exports USD 23m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1m; 5 more lines in the heading, USD 95m
    Countries that export it well24

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 92m, top 8 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to New Zealand's export strengths in the top 36 per cent (1); China supplies 79 per cent (2).

    USD 92mdown 21% on 2022
  11. 11

    Cigarettes: containing tobaccoHS 240220

    Comes fromIndonesia 65%, 19 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMargarine: excluding liquid margarine
    Exports of this lineUSD 1m
    Countries that export it well41

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 65m, top 14 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to New Zealand's export strengths in the top 16 per cent (2); Indonesia supplies 65 per cent (2).

    USD 65mdown 12% on 2022
  12. 12

    Aluminium: structures (excluding prefabricated buildings of heading no. 9406) and parts of structures, n.e.c. in...HS 761090

    Comes fromChina 72%, 45 source countries
    Nearest export strengthAluminium: unwrought, (not alloyed) (exports USD 569m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 11m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 22m
    Countries that export it well33

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 53m, top 18 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to New Zealand's export strengths in the top 22 per cent (2); China supplies 72 per cent (2).

    USD 53mdown 8% on 2022
  13. 13

    Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: potassic, potassium chlorideHS 310420

    Comes fromCanada 81%, 21 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone in the same chapter
    Exports of this lineUSD 65k; 1 more line in the heading, USD 14m
    Countries that export it well11

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 48m, top 19 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to New Zealand's export strengths in the top 12 per cent (2); Canada supplies 81 per cent (2).

    USD 48mdown 63% on 2022
  14. 14

    Food preparations: obtained by the swelling or roasting of cereals or cereal productsHS 190410

    Comes fromAustralia 69%, 56 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFood preparations: of flour, meal, starch, malt extract or milk... (exports USD 1.2bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 10m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 16m
    Countries that export it well36

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 42m, top 23 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to New Zealand's export strengths in the top 12 per cent (2); Australia supplies 69 per cent (2).

    USD 42mup 23% on 2022
  15. 15

    Furniture: wooden, for bedroom useHS 940350

    Comes fromChina 69%, 36 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMattresses: of cellular rubber or plastics, whether or not covered (exports USD 23m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1m; 5 more lines in the heading, USD 222m
    Countries that export it well27

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 42m, top 24 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to New Zealand's export strengths in the top 24 per cent (2); China supplies 69 per cent (2).

    USD 42mdown 15% on 2022
  16. 16

    Medicaments: consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in heading no. 3004, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses...HS 300490

    Comes fromAustralia 27%, 74 source countries
    Nearest export strengthBlood, human or animal, antisera, other blood fractions and... (exports USD 146m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 152m; 6 more lines in the heading, USD 196m
    Countries that export it well32

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 688m, top 1 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to New Zealand's export strengths in the top 18 per cent (2).

    USD 688mdown 6% on 2022
  17. 17

    Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity...HS 870332

    Comes fromThailand 55%, 25 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTrailers and semi-trailers: n.e.c. in item no. 8716.3 (exports USD 15m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 4m; 10 more lines in the heading, USD 2.8bn
    Countries that export it well23

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 348m, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to New Zealand's export strengths in the top 34 per cent (1); Thailand supplies 55 per cent (1).

    USD 348mdown 5% on 2022
  18. 18

    Plastics: other articles n.e.c. in chapter 39HS 392690

    Comes fromChina 41%, 106 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPlastics: tableware and kitchenware (exports USD 65m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 51m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 14m
    Countries that export it well23

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 208m, top 3 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to New Zealand's export strengths in the top 50 per cent (1); China supplies 41 per cent (1).

    USD 208mdown 14% on 2022
  19. 19

    Cosmetic and toilet preparations: n.e.c. in heading no. 3304, for the care of the skin (excluding medicaments...HS 330499

    Comes fromAustralia 26%, 78 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPaints and varnishes: (including enamels, lacquers and distempers)...
    Exports of this lineUSD 59m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 34m
    Countries that export it well30

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 190m, top 3 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to New Zealand's export strengths in the top 22 per cent (2).

    USD 190mup 3% on 2022
  20. 20

    Aircraft and spacecraft: parts of aeroplanes, helicopters or unmanned aircraft n.e.c. in heading no. 8807HS 880730

    Comes fromUnited States 49%, 69 source countries
    Nearest export strengthHelicopters, except unmanned: of an unladen weight not exceeding... (exports USD 43m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 31m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 24m
    Countries that export it well17

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 169m, top 4 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to New Zealand's export strengths in the top 47 per cent (1); United States supplies 49 per cent (1).

    USD 169mup 15% on 2022

One line per customs heading. Products New Zealand already exports well and still imports are below, because they are a different conversation. No employment figures appear on this page, by decision.

Made here already, still imported

Scale conversations, not capability ones.

  • Sugars: lactose and lactose syrup, containing by weight 99% or more lactose... imports USD 103m, exports USD 41m, top source United States 57%
  • Non-alcoholic beverages: other than non-alcoholic beer, n.e.c. in item no.... imports USD 98m, exports USD 43m, top source Australia 69%
  • Food preparations: pasta (excluding stuffed), cooked or otherwise prepared imports USD 67m, exports USD 12m, top source Indonesia 29%
  • Spacecraft: (including satellites) and suborbital and spacecraft launch vehicles imports USD 58m, exports USD 9m, top source United States 71%
  • Sugar confectionery: (excluding chewing gum, including white chocolate), not... imports USD 86m, exports USD 39m, top source Australia 40%
  • Food preparations: bakers' wares n.e.c. in heading no. 1605, whether or not... imports USD 156m, exports USD 111m, top source Australia 47%
  • Plywood: consisting only of sheets of wood (not bamboo), each ply 6mm or... imports USD 48m, exports USD 6m, top source Chile 35%
  • Sauces and preparations therefor: mixed condiments and mixed seasonings imports USD 104m, exports USD 72m, top source Australia 42%
  • Motorboats: (other than outboard motorboats), for pleasure or sports, other... imports USD 44m, exports USD 14m, top source Australia 53%
  • Lifting, handling, loading or unloading machinery: n.e.c. in heading no. 8425... imports USD 64m, exports USD 36m, top source China 28%
How the twenty were chosen

Three scores, each from a field the record carries.

Import bill, 0 to 3, by percentile among the 705 lines imported at USD 10m or more: above the median one point, top quarter two, top tenth three.

Proximity to export strengths, 0 to 3, on the same percentiles: the product-space method (Hidalgo, Klinger, Barabasi and Hausmann, Science 2007) on CEPII's BACI file of every bilateral trade flow for 2024, 157 countries and 5,388 products. Two products are close when the countries that export one well tend to export the other well. Only products in the upper half for proximity can enter the list at all: best placed is a proximity claim.

Supply concentration, 0 to 2: one point when a single country supplies 40 per cent or more, two at 60 per cent.

Scope. Manufactured goods, customs chapters 16 to 96, excluding ores, fuels and precious metals. Primary agriculture is out of scope for a page about manufacture.

What it cannot tell you

A map of where to look.

Trade data says what crossed the border, not why. Cost, scale, patents, tariffs and the plain fact that a supplier is good at it are all invisible here. The world file reconciles what each pair of countries reports, so a national customs file would differ in detail. Nothing on this page is a forecast or a promise.

Source: CEPII BACI, HS22, version 202601, years 2022 to 2024. Edition of 2026-11-02. The UK edition with its procurement and regional layers is at /made-here/.

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