🎌 A Landmark Agreement Amid Global Uncertainties
In a significant move to bolster economic security, Singapore and New Zealand signed the Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies (AOTES) on May 4, 2026. This pact, described as the world's first legally binding bilateral supply chain resilience agreement, was inked during the inaugural Singapore-New Zealand Annual Leaders' Meeting. Prime Ministers Lawrence Wong and Christopher Luxon witnessed the signing by their respective ministers: Singapore's Minister-in-charge of Energy, Science and Technology Dr. Tan See Leng and New Zealand's Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay. The ceremony at the Shangri-La Hotel underscored the deep trust between these two small, open economies navigating an increasingly volatile world.
The agreement addresses the vulnerabilities exposed by recent global disruptions, committing both nations to keep essential goods flowing even in times of crisis. For Singapore, a city-state heavily reliant on imports for food and energy, this pact provides a crucial layer of assurance. It builds directly on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) established in October 2025, elevating bilateral ties across trade, security, and innovation.
Historical Context and Path to the Pact
The journey to AOTES began amid the COVID-19 pandemic, when supply chains worldwide faltered. In April 2020, Singapore and New Zealand issued a non-binding Joint Declaration to maintain open trade lines for essentials, preventing tariffs or barriers. This evolved in April 2022 with the formation of the Singapore-New Zealand Supply Chain Working Group (SCWG), announced by the prime ministers at the time.
Negotiations gained momentum under the CSP framework, concluding on October 10, 2025. The pact will be incorporated into the existing Agreement between New Zealand and Singapore on a Closer Economic Partnership (ANZSCEP), Singapore's first free trade agreement signed in 2001. This integration ensures enforceability while leveraging 25 years of successful trade cooperation. Domestic ratification processes are underway, paving the way for entry into force soon.
Singapore's proactive stance reflects its '30 by 30' food security goal—producing 30 percent of its nutritional needs locally by 2030—while recognizing the need for reliable imports. New Zealand, a major agri-exporter, complements this perfectly.
Core Provisions: What Does the Pact Cover?
AOTES targets a specific list of essential goods vital for both economies: food products, fuels, healthcare items, chemicals, and construction materials. These categories encompass dairy, meats, fruits, medical equipment, diesel, pharmaceuticals, and building supplies—items critical for daily life and recovery efforts during disruptions.
The agreement explicitly prohibits both governments from imposing export restrictions on these goods destined for the partner country. This 'no-shut-out' clause counters the natural instinct during shortages to prioritize domestic needs, as seen in past crises. Beyond prohibitions, it establishes practical mechanisms: rapid information sharing on supply issues, consultations before implementing measures, and streamlined facilitation of goods movement.
For context, the pact does not alter commercial contracts but provides governmental reassurance, giving businesses confidence to plan long-term. An infographic from New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) illustrates this clearly, highlighting the mutual benefits. Details are available on the MFAT site.
Strategic Importance for Singapore's Food and Energy Security
Singapore imports over 90 percent of its food, making reliable partners indispensable. New Zealand supplies about 14 percent of Singapore's food imports, with dairy alone comprising 31.6 percent of its exports to Singapore. Key items include milk powders, cheeses, fruits, nuts, edible oils, meats, and offal—staples in Singaporean diets and food processing.
In 2024, Singapore imported US$644.3 million worth of goods from New Zealand, part of a bilateral trade totaling around NZ$11 billion in the year to December 2025. This pact secures these flows, vital as Singapore advances its Agri-Food 2030 plan amid climate challenges and geopolitical tensions.
On energy, while Singapore is a refining hub, the reciprocal commitment ensures balanced resilience. The SCWG will monitor implementation, including fuel management amid Middle East conflicts affecting shipping routes.
Photo by Galen Crout on Unsplash
Mutual Benefits: New Zealand's Reliance on Singapore Fuel
For New Zealand, approximately one-third of its fuel— including diesel powering farming, freight, and food production—is refined in Singapore. Disruptions could halt tractors, trucks, and exports, rippling through its agriculture-dependent economy. PM Luxon emphasized, “This agreement turns longstanding trust into practical action, keeping fuel flowing under pressure.”
The pact's symmetry is key: Singapore guarantees fuel access, New Zealand ensures food. This reciprocity fosters stability, with diesel from Singapore directly supporting New Zealand's agri-exports back to Singapore—a virtuous cycle.
Broader Bilateral Ties and Complementary Agreements
AOTES is one pillar of the CSP, spanning six areas: trade, defense, science, people-to-people, green economy, and connectivity. During the visit, leaders also finalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on healthcare cooperation, covering pandemic preparedness, supply chains, and health tech assessment. An Implementing Arrangement on electronic certification streamlines agri-food trade, reducing paperwork for exporters.
Defense ties deepen with unmanned tech and exercises like Thunder Warrior. Economically, both champion CPTPP, DEPA, FIT Partnership, and upcoming GEPA. Singapore urged New Zealand firms to hub in the Lion City for ASEAN access. CNA covers the full leaders' remarks.
- 25 years of ANZSCEP driving trade growth.
- Shared roles in ASEAN, Pacific Islands Forum.
- Equity market connectivity via MAS-FMA.
Global Disruptions: Why Now?
The timing reflects ongoing shocks: COVID-19 hoarding, Ukraine war grain crises, Red Sea attacks, and 2026 Middle East tensions straining the Strait of Hormuz. PM Wong noted, “In difficult times, countries look inward, breaking chains and worsening outcomes.” AOTES counters this, promoting openness.
As FIT Partnership members (NZ succeeding SG as chair in April 2026), they advocate resilient chains regionally. Singapore's Strategic Food Partnership (launched Oct 2025) aligns, securing supplies proactively.
| Disruption | Impact Example |
|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Personal protective equipment shortages |
| Ukraine War | Global food price spikes |
| Middle East 2026 | Fuel shipping delays |
Business and Consumer Implications
Singapore businesses gain predictability: importers like supermarkets and manufacturers can stock confidently, avoiding panic buying. Exporters benefit from faster certifications, cutting costs. Consumers see stable prices for dairy, meats, and fuels.
The Leadership Forum encouraged partnerships in AI, green tech, and unmanned systems. For SMEs, this opens doors—New Zealand firms eye Singapore as a Southeast Asia gateway, while Singapore leverages NZ's agritech.
Risks remain: non-essential goods unprotected, climate events. Yet, the framework enables swift consultations, minimizing impacts. Straits Times details business angles.
Photo by Joseph Matthias on Unsplash
Future Outlook: A Model for Others?
Leaders signaled openness to like-minded partners meeting high standards, potentially creating a 'club' of resilient traders. This aligns with plurilateral efforts like FIT. Domestically, SCWG oversight ensures adaptability.
As Singapore chairs ASEAN in 2027 and NZ leads Pacific Islands Forum, regional extensions loom. Long-term, AOTES exemplifies 'friendshoring'—diversifying chains among trusted allies—enhancing both nations' geopolitical clout.
- Monitor via annual leaders' meetings.
- Expand to green essentials?
- Digital trade integration.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Next Steps
Business chambers applaud the pact for certainty. Food importers note NZ's quality standards complement Singapore's safety regime. Energy firms highlight refining synergies.
Ratification next, followed by operationalization. Public awareness campaigns may follow, educating on resilience roles. Ultimately, AOTES reinforces Singapore's strategy: resilient, open, future-proof.
