Middle East Trade & Business Updates

What’s Happening

The situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, and we are monitoring developments closely. While there are no major new impacts to report at this stage, global supply chains remain under pressure, freight and energy costs remain elevated, and businesses should continue planning for ongoing uncertainty rather than a near-term return to normal trading conditions.

We remain in regular contact with key stakeholders across government, industry, and our trade networks to maintain the most current understanding possible. As meaningful developments emerge, we will share updates and guidance here.

In the meantime, Canterbury and New Zealand businesses are encouraged to maintain existing resilience measures, including monitoring input costs, lead times, and supplier communications, and reviewing contingency plans where appropriate. Businesses with specific concerns are welcome to get in touch with our team.

info@businesscanterbury.co.nz
Phone: 0800 50 50 96

🛠️ Guides and Tools

More information on priority bands, MBIE

Continuity and contingency planning, MBIE
Tips to reduce your fuel consumption, EECA

📄 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:
- Replay webinar here
- Slidepack from James Lowrey, Managing Director, Head of Trade & Working Capital Product, Lloyds Bank | NZTE Beachhead (PDF)
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 →

⛽ 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

Ministry of Transport (MOT):

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

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)

Email for MBIE supply chain queries

Business.govt.nz - Feedback Requested

In Phases 3 or 4, priority bands will determine how fuel is allocated.

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.

Contact our Global Trade or business advisors.
Tell us about how your business is impacted to help us provide tailored support to our Members.

Sense-check your
exposure

▢ Identify where your business could be indirectly affected - suppliers, freight, fuel, materials, or key customers

▢ 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.

Review costs and pricing assumptions

▢ Check for recent or upcoming increases in freight, fuel, or input costs

▢ Assess whether margins are being quietly eroded

▢ Consider if/when pricing adjustments may be needed

ℹ️ Don’t wait until cost increases hit your bottom line

Communicate early
with customers and suppliers

▢ Flag any potential delays or variability in delivery

▢ Reconfirm timelines, availability, and expectations

▢ Strengthen relationships through proactive communication

ℹ️ Clarity builds trust, especially in uncertain conditions

Build short-term flexibility
into your plans

▢ Allow buffer time for delivery or project timelines

▢ Consider alternative suppliers or stock strategies where practical

▢ Avoid overcommitting where uncertainty is high

ℹ️ Small adjustments now can prevent larger disruptions later

Keep an eye on
key developments

▢ Stay across key updates (e.g. shipping routes, fuel costs, global trade signals)

▢ Focus on relevant, credible sources rather than noise

▢ Reassess only when conditions materially change

ℹ️ This is about awareness, not constant change

Know where to get
support

▢ Reach out early if you need guidance on trade, documentation, or market impacts

▢ Use available insights, briefings, and advisory support to inform decisions

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

If disruptions continue
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:

Build buffer into delivery timelines and project plans
Stay in regular contact with suppliers, partners, and customers
Monitor cost movements (freight, fuel, key inputs)
Avoid overcommitting where timing is uncertain

2. For importers/exporters:

Reconfirm shipping schedules and lead times
Check in with freight forwarders on route changes

3. Support & resources:

Regular updates (e.g. your Middle East updates page)
Industry briefings and government insights (e.g. MFAT)
Business Canterbury advisory support

If escalation increases
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

If conditions stabilise
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

Here to help

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

Business Canterbury
View contact details for our Team here

email: info@businesscanterbury.co.nz
phone: 0800 50 50 96

Here to help

FAQs

Get quick answers and practical guidance on how current Middle East developments may affect your business, and where to find support.

1. How can Business Canterbury support my business during Middle East disruptions?

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.

2. Where can I find the latest updates on Middle East trade impacts?

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.

3. What should I do if my supply chain is affected?

Review your exposure, identify alternative suppliers or routes, and communicate proactively with customers and partners. Our advisory team can provide guidance.

4. Are these disruptions only relevant for exporters?

No. Even businesses not directly trading with the Middle East can experience ripple effects in pricing, logistics, and customer demand.

5. How do I access advisory or expert support? ou can reach out to our Business Canterbury team directly via our contact us page or email info@businesscanterbury.co.nz. We can arrange face-to-face meetings, calls or catch-up with our advisors online.

6. Can I receive regular Middle East updates directly? Yes, sign up on this page to get our Middle East updates delivered straight to your inbox, keeping your business informed and prepared.

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What You Should Do Now

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