As another eventful month in global trade comes to a close, businesses around the world continue to navigate geopolitical uncertainty, disrupted freight routes and shifting cost pressures. Recent developments in the Middle East including today’s agreed two‑week ceasefire and the ten point proposal - are being closely watched for what they may signal for regional stability and global supply chains. We’ve been working hard to keep members informed as conditions evolve, including through our Middle East updates page, where we share timely insights into what these developments could mean for local businesses.
Closer to home, Canterbury businesses are doing what they have always done best; adapting, innovating and getting on with it. From diversifying export markets and adopting digital trade tools, to strong collaboration across logistics, the region continues to show resilience and quiet momentum. As always, I would welcome your feedback on how we can best support you in the months ahead.
Thanks
Charmaine
🌍 Middle East conflict and global supply chains
Global tensions in the Middle East are continuing to affect shipping routes, delivery timelines, and input costs, with impacts flowing through supply chains, freight, and fuel pricing. While many businesses remain operational, disruption is building and being felt unevenly across sectors, particularly in manufacturing, logistics, and businesses reliant on imported materials.
To support businesses through this period, we’ve created a dedicatedMiddle East Updates page with the latest developments, practical guidance, and key information on what this means for your operations. More resources and tools are coming soon, so keep an eye on the page for ongoing updates and support.
📣 What We’re Hearing from Industry
Over the past fortnight, we’ve been working with members, MBIE and Minister Penk’s office to understand how the evolving fuel situation is affecting the Canterbury businesses.
While many businesses remain close to business as usual, pressure is building and impacts are not being felt evenly across our members, particularly manufacturers.
For some manufacturing firms, the impact remains manageable. For others - particularly those exposed to imported raw materials, freight-intensive operations, fuel-intensive logistics, and plastics and other petrochemical-linked inputs, pressures are already significant and increasing.
Early impacts continue to centre on:
Rising freight and shipping costs
Fuel price increases (diesel up ~15–18%)
Shipping delays and surcharges
Early margin pressure
Increasing uncertainty around supply continuity and input availability. Most firms have not yet materially adjusted investment or hiring, although caution is increasing.
The key risk remains duration. If disruption extends beyond 4–6 weeks, impacts are expected to increase materially across logistics, working capital, input costs, and supply chains.
Member-to-Member Offers
Looking to reduce your business costs? Don't forget to check out our member offers to help you navigate disruption and reduce costs. Save on fuel, phones, employment advice and much more. View Offers →
💡 Manufacturing Futures Forum: Funding and Growth Pathways Highlights
We were pleased to host a group of Canterbury manufacturers for our recent Manufacturing Futures forum. This invaluable event highlighted a range of tools available to help businesses invest in growth, strengthen capability, and unlock new opportunities, from practical funding pathways to workforce and innovation support. The event's key themes included -
Funding and capital options - from R&D tax incentives and grants to strategic investment and growth capital
Innovation support - practical pathways to connect with research, graduate talent, and R&D expertise
Workforce capability - training, apprenticeships, and support to build future-ready teams
Real-world growth insights - lessons from manufacturers navigating expansion, productivity, and technology adoption
If you're interested in receiving these resources, let us know.
📰 Quick Links - Industry News
Middle East Trade & Business page - to keep you up to date and direct you to the latest information, from Business Canterbury
India FTA - The FTA still has several steps to complete, so the start date for its benefits is not yet confirmed, MFAT
