New Zealand’s (NZ) “upgraded” free trade agreement (FTA) with China will take effect from April 7, removing all tariffs for 12 wood and paper products imported from New Zealand. The move is part of a deal, signed in January, that aims to “upgrade” the existing FTA, resulting in tariff-free access for 99 percent of New Zealand’s $4 billion (US$2.8 billion) wood and paper trade to China. Tariffs for products such as tissues and writing paper will be gradually eliminated over a 10-year period. The Ministry of Finance noted that the year 2022 marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and NZ, and April 7 is the 14th anniversary of the signing of the China-NZ FTA. “The implementation of the agreed tariff rates will further promote trade and investment between the two countries,” the ministry said in a statement to Reuters. It comes amid a politically motivated trade war …