The move comes at a time when New Zealand dairy exports to China are surging, buoyed by the full implementation of the China–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement in January 2024. Under the upgraded terms, all New Zealand dairy products now enter China tariff- and quota-free.

In the first quarter of 2025, New Zealand's dairy exports to China hit $2.38 billion, up 40.8 percent year-on-year, according to trade data. China accounted for 30 percent of New Zealand's total dairy exports in 2024.

Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell credited the strong bilateral relationship for the company's sustained growth. "Our growth in China benefits from the healthy relationship between our two nations. The strong bilateral relationship underpins business growth and confidence in the development of the Chinese market. Looking ahead, Fonterra remains committed to serving as a model of successful collaboration between New Zealand and China."