Summary Recent trans-Tasman trade in forest products and the underlying basis for this trade are examined. This analysis of the current situation is then taken as a benchmark for assessing the outlook for trans-Tasman trade in forest products. Australia's export prospects are not independent of developments in the production and marketing of forest products in New Zealand. Furthermore, over the longer term relative changes in economic variables such as exchange rates, wage levels and rates of inflation are also likely to influence Australia's export prospects. Subsequently, some ideas are presented on the impacts of moves towards closer economic co-operation in general between New Zealand and Australia and on the potential for rationalised developments in certain forest commodities.

Australia's export prospects for forest products are influenced by New Zealand's production and marketing, exchange rates, wage levels, and inflation, and may be influenced by closer economic co-operation between New Zealand and Australia.

Trans-Tasman trade in forest products - past and future.

Key Takeaway: Australia's export prospects for forest products are influenced by New Zealand's production and marketing, exchange rates, wage levels, and inflation, and may be influenced by closer economic co-operation between New Zealand and Australia.