Middle East Trade & Business Updates
Resources, guides & tools for your business.
Middle East Update
Status: Elevated disruption
Last updated: 30 April, 10:43am
Ongoing tensions are impacting shipping routes and delivery timelines across key Middle East corridors.
What’s changing right now in the Middle East, why it matters and info to help.
Effects on supply chains, agreements, market access and business decisions.
How to respond to delays, disruptions, and uncertainty.
Helpful tips and answers for your business.
Happening →
Happening →
What’s changing right now in the Middle East, and why it matters.
for Your Business →
for Your Business →
Effects on supply chains, agreements, market access and business decisions.
Should Do Now →
Should Do Now →
How to respond to delays, disruptions, and uncertainty.
Helpful tips and answers for your business.
Recent events in the Middle East are having ripple effects on businesses and markets worldwide. Global supply chains are under pressure, freight costs are rising, and delays are becoming more common, affecting industries from manufacturing to agriculture, energy, and technology.
These disruptions are not limited to trade. Companies everywhere are experiencing increased costs, operational challenges, and uncertainty as markets respond to evolving geopolitical tensions.
For Canterbury and New Zealand businesses, the impacts may include higher prices for key inputs, delays in receiving goods and services, and more cautious market conditions. Even businesses not directly trading with the region can feel the effects through global pricing, logistics bottlenecks, and changes in customer or supplier behaviour.
Understanding the broader picture, and how it connects to local operations, is key to planning effectively and staying resilient in an unpredictable global environment.
Resources and Insights
Something else you'd like to know or to find here, let us know: info@businesscanterbury.co.nz.
⛽ Fuel Security
MBIE:- Fuel stocks update : Wednesday 29 April – Fuel supply is currently normal, and our stocks remain healthy, MBIE
- Middle East conflict and New Zealand's fuel stocks , MBIE, updated regularly
- Fuel Security Plan 2025 plus overview of fuel security, National Fuel Plan framework, and regular updates on fuel stocks. MBIE
- Fuel response monitoring dashboard - a summary of travel demand across New Zealand's transport network as well as fuel supply and prices. This dashboard will be updated daily.
🌏 Trade & Exporter Support
MFAT:
- Ongoing guidance for exporters is available here: Trade and economic response to the US-Iran conflict
- Market Intelligence Reports: View the latest Middle East Market Intelligence Reports
- Plus sign up for alerts for new reports
- SafeTravel for the latest Middle East travel guidance and to register if you or your staff are travelling.
NZTE:
- Middle East conflict: Market updates , guidance, updates and in-market views from NZTE's network to help you navigate the Middle East conflict and trade disruption, myNZTE
- Middle East conflict: Resources for exporters for links to shipping updates and useful resources, myNZTE
- Middle East conflict: Information for NZTE Customers
Kuehne + Nagel: Middle East updates , plus visit seaexplorer.com
🔗 Updates
- 30 Mar: Middle East conflict and New Zealand's fuel stocks, MBIE updates. Read Now →
- 27 Mar: Media release: Fuel plan to protect economy amid disruption, beehive.govt.nz. Read Now →
- 27 Mar: Government Confirms Fuel Response Plan. Business Canterbury blog. Read Now →
- 18 Mar: Global Trade & Middle East Update: What Businesses Need to Know. Business Canterbury update. Read Now →
- 17 Mar: Global Trade Outlook 2026, with Kelly Eckhold, Westpac Chief Economist. Business Canterbury event re-cap. Read Now →
📆 Upcoming Sessions
- Fri 8 May, 12:00pm | Webinar, NZ Inc Middle East Conflict Exporter Briefing, Register here
- Fri 15 May, 9:00am | IN-PERSON: Business Forum - Leading through Global Disruption, by Business Canterbury. Register here
🛠️ Guides and Tools
- How to create a business continuity plan in a day, myNZTE
- Preparing for disruptions with a risk register & scenario planning, myNZTE
- Money Matters: Straightforward, independent financial guidance, myNZTE
- How to use unit economics to price for export, myNZTE
📄 MPI Export Assistance
- A download for guidance for exporters on re-certification, consignment disruptions, or product returns as required.
⏬ Event Downloads
- 21 Apr: Middle East Conflict: Managing Financial Resilience Amidst Disruption, NZTE Webinar. Follow-up Resources:
- 24 Mar: Global shockwaves to Kiwi shores: The impact of the Iran conflict on New Zealand. Governor Dr Anna Breman will deliver a keynote speech to Business NZ’s CEO Forum in Auckland. Download Presentation →
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
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Email for MBIE supply chain queries
Business.govt.nz - Feedback Requested
In Phases 3 or 4, priority bands will determine how fuel is allocated.
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Share your feedback on priority bands and how your business fits: email MBIE or complete their online form.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (MFAT)
Exporter enquiries can be emailled here
NZTE Support: Contact your Customer Manager, use myNZTE, or email for practical export assistance
Business Canterbury Support
If you have any queries or would like to talk to our team, reach out — we’re here to help.
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Contact our Global Trade or business advisors.
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Tell us about how your business is impacted to help us provide tailored support to our Members.
Global tensions and disruptions are creating uncertainty that can affect businesses in unexpected ways. Even if you’re not directly trading with the Middle East, ripple effects can touch your supply chains, contracts, and strategic planning. Understanding these impacts helps you make informed decisions and stay ahead of potential challenges.
1. Supply Chain & Logistics
Shipping delays | Route changes | Freight cost increases
Delays, higher freight costs, and material shortages may affect production timelines and delivery commitments. Planning ahead and identifying alternative suppliers can help mitigate risk.
2. Market & Customer Impact
Consumer Demand shifts | Payment risks | Partner reliability
Shifts in demand, payment risks, and uncertainty with partners may influence your sales and revenue. Staying aware of market trends and maintaining strong communication with customers and suppliers is key.
3. Compliance & Risk
Risk management | Documentation changes | insurance requirements
New sanctions, documentation requirements, and insurance considerations may create additional obligations. Ensuring your policies and processes are up-to-date will help safeguard your business.
Global disruption doesn’t just affect exporters, it flows through supply chains, pricing, timelines and customer expectations across the entire business ecosystem. Taking a few simple steps now can help you stay ahead of potential impacts and avoid reactive decision-making later.
exposure
▢ Look for single points of risk in your supply chain or delivery model
ℹ️ Even locally-focused businesses may rely on globally impacted inputs or partners.
ℹ️ Don’t wait until cost increases hit your bottom line
with customers and suppliers
ℹ️ Clarity builds trust, especially in uncertain conditions
into your plans
ℹ️ Small adjustments now can prevent larger disruptions later
key developments
ℹ️ This is about awareness, not constant change
support
ℹ️ You don’t need to navigate this alone
Scenario Planning
Global conditions can shift quickly, and while the exact path is uncertain, businesses can still prepare. This section outlines three practical scenarios to help you think ahead, reduce risk, and respond with confidence as conditions evolve.
How to use this section
You don’t need to act on everything at once. Instead:
- Identify which scenario best reflects what you’re seeing now
- Take a few practical steps to prepare
- Revisit this as conditions change
ℹ️ This is about being prepared, not predicting the future
Short-term
Ongoing instability, but no major escalation
What this looks like:
Delays remain, freight costs fluctuate, and timelines are less predictable, but conditions are broadly manageable.
1. What to focus on:
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Build buffer into delivery timelines and project plans
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Stay in regular contact with suppliers, partners, and customers
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Monitor cost movements (freight, fuel, key inputs)
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Avoid overcommitting where timing is uncertain
2. For importers/exporters:
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Reconfirm shipping schedules and lead times
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Check in with freight forwarders on route changes
3. Support & resources:
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Regular updates (e.g. your Middle East updates page)
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Industry briefings and government insights (e.g. MFAT)
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Business Canterbury advisory support
Medium-term
Wider disruption to trade routes, costs, or market access
What this looks like:
More significant delays, sustained cost increases, and growing uncertainty across supply chains and global markets.
1. What to focus on:
- Explore alternative suppliers, routes, or channels
- Review contracts, pricing, and risk exposure
- Strengthen cashflow planning and financial buffers
- Reassess delivery commitments and contingencies
2. For importers/exporters:
- Consider diversifying markets or logistics options
- Review Incoterms, insurance, and payment terms
3. Support & resources:
- Trade advisory and market intelligence
- Financial and risk planning support
- Legal/contract guidance where needed
Recovery Phase
Disruptions ease and confidence begins to return escalation
What this looks like:
Shipping routes normalise, costs stabilise, and businesses begin to regain certainty in planning and delivery.
1. What to focus on:
- Reassess growth opportunities and delayed plans
- Re-engage customers, suppliers, and partners
- Secure supply and capacity ahead of demand returning
- Capture lessons learned to improve future resilience
2. For importers/exporters:
- Rebuild consistency in supply chains
- Explore new or re-opened market opportunities
3. Support & resources:
- Market updates and trade insights
- Events, briefings, and networking opportunities
- Strategic advisory support
Contact Us Today
Talk to us about how our team can support you in navigating current Middle East developments—whether you're managing supply chain disruptions, assessing market risk, or identifying new opportunities. We’re happy to meet at a time that suits, either in Christchurch or closer to your business.
Business Canterbury
email: info@businesscanterbury.co.nz
phone: 0800 50 50 96
View contact details for our team here
Contact Us Today
Talk to us about how our team can support you in navigating current Middle East developments—whether you're managing supply chain disruptions, assessing market risk, or identifying new opportunities. We’re happy to meet at a time that suits, either in Christchurch or closer to your business.
Business Canterbury
View contact details for our Team here
email: info@businesscanterbury.co.nz
phone: 0800 50 50 96
Member-to-Member Offers
Discover member offers from fellow Business Canterbury members designed to help your business navigate disruption, reduce costs, and access practical support.
11c per litre off at Z, Caltex and Challenge.
Learn More
One hour free specialist employment advice.
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EAP support for workplaces, with $1,200 off services.
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Special Broadband and mobile plan discounts to help members save.
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Save money on Hybrid vehicles and reduce fuel costs.
Learn More📤 Get the latest Middle East updates
Sign-up to receive our Middle East updates direct to your inbox to keep you in the know.FAQs
Get quick answers and practical guidance on how current Middle East developments may affect your business, and where to find support.
Our team can help you navigate supply chain delays, assess market risks, and identify opportunities. Contact us to discuss tailored guidance or arrange a meeting.
Use the linked webinars, blogs, and guides on this page, as well as credible sources like MFAT briefings, for up-to-date information and expert advice.
Review your exposure, identify alternative suppliers or routes, and communicate proactively with customers and partners. Our advisory team can provide guidance.
No. Even businesses not directly trading with the Middle East can experience ripple effects in pricing, logistics, and customer demand.