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Ministry of Trade and Industry

Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies with New Zealand (AOTES)

Singapore and New Zealand signed an Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies (AOTES) on 4 May 2026 at the Singapore-New Zealand Annual Leaders’ Meeting in Singapore.

Last updated 5 May 2026

The Agreement was signed by Singapore Minister-in-charge of Energy, Science and Technology Dr Tan See Leng, and New Zealand Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay. The signing was witnessed by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

Key Features of the AOTES

The AOTES reflects both countries’ longstanding commitment to uphold free and unimpeded trade. It is the world’s first legally-binding bilateral supply chain resilience agreement. It will be incorporated into the Agreement between New Zealand and Singapore on a Closer Economic Partnership (ANZSCEP) – the bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Singapore and New Zealand. 

  • Under the Agreement, Singapore and New Zealand commit not to impose unnecessary export restrictions on agreed essential supplies, including food, fuel, healthcare, chemical and construction products.

  • The Agreement also establishes a framework for both countries to facilitate the movement of goods, share information and engage in consultations before or during supply chain disruptions.

  • This will provide businesses and consumers on both sides with greater confidence and stability during supply chain disruptions. 

Following signing, the Agreement will enter into force upon the completion of domestic procedures on both sides.

Download the Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies Text [PDF, 316KB]