Trade deal positive for Whanganui manufacturer

Designs like Pacific Helmets' award-winning F15 structural firefighting helmet are in demand internationally.

Access to the Japan market would be a key advantage for Whanganui's Pacific Helmets in the new version of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), modelled on the TPP, is a free trade agreement involving 11 countries in the Pacific region, including New Zealand, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam.

In early November trade ministers from the 11 countries agreed to the core elements of the deal but four issues require further technical work and discussion before the agreement can be finalised and signed. The TPP was signed in February 2016 but never came into force following the withdrawal of the United States.

Pacific Helmets owner David Bennett says the amended agreement appears to contain little real change for New Zealand exporters compared with the original TPP. Pacific Helmets specialises in the design and manufacture of helmets and also makes personal protection equipment for emergency services, industry and recreation.

"We should get access to Japan for our helmets, which has been virtually a closed market," Mr Bennett said.

"India is still a serious problem and I've heard only a little comment about what will happen with sales to that country.

"Hopefully, in the meantime, we should get some advantage for helmet sales in countries which apply duty - India is one - against imported helmets, whereas the US and European manufacturers will have no advantage."

It is intended the four outstanding issues will be resolved and the agreement signed early in 2018. It will then need to be ratified by six of the 11 members so it can come into force.