All made possible with the Free-Trade Agreement.
This month, North Canterbury boat manufacturer Rae Line Boats is exporting their first boat to the United Kingdom, made possible by the New Zealand and United Kingdom Free-Trade Agreement implemented in June 2023. Rae Line has been building boats in Swannanoa since the 1990s. Initially contracted by Sea Ray Boats of America to meet the demand for 18 to 20-foot trailer boats in the Australasian market, Rae Line has since developed their own range of boats that have proved popular in Australia and New Zealand.
Ian Williamson, Director of Sports Marine and Rae Line Boats, a net importer of luxury boats and marine products from the U.K., welcomed the FTA and investigated the competitive advantage Rae Line could exploit for its range of boats for the U.K. market. The FTA allows Rae Line to build boats at a competitive price point for the U.K. market.
Immediately following the FTA coming into force, Rae Line undertook extensive market research to ensure their boats complied with U.K. and European standards. Shortly after, the first Rae Line 185 is shipped to a customer in Scotland later this month. Rhys Williamson, General Manager of Rae Line, is excited to explore the new business opportunities the FTA will bring. The ease of doing business for New Zealand manufacturers is essential for growth, and the FTA makes it possible to explore further afield markets. There is always a demand for quality New Zealand products on a global scale. Removal of duties that add no value to the end consumers in the supply chain now makes our products more affordable. The FTA and our first initial order to the UK have come at a great time, just as the NZ economy has slowed after the industry had boomed during COVID-19.
Rae Line has built over 2,000 boats since 1998.
