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Useful experience for importers/exporters includes work in:

• overseas trading or exporting
• manufacturing
• shipping
• marketing
• a management position.

Overseas travel and experience of different cultures is also useful.

Importers/exporters may do some or all of the following:

• identify local and overseas business opportunities
• gather information on products and work out the cost of supplying them
• work with local and overseas suppliers and distributors of goods
• arrange the shipping of goods into and out of the country
• negotiate customs, shipping and air freight of goods
• develop promotional and marketing campaigns for products
• keep up to date with exchange and financial market rates
• communicate with government agencies such as Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

Chances of getting a job as an importer/exporter average

Chances of getting a job as an importer/exporter are average due to stable numbers of people in the role.

Opportunities for importers/exporters largely depend on the strength of the economy in New Zealand, and in countries that New Zealand trades with. Depending on the level of growth, demand for importers/exporters can increase.

According to the Census, 1,077 importer/exporters worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Language skills and knowledge of target markets useful

You can increase your chances of getting work as an importer/exporter by:

• being able to speak a second language
• having a strong understanding of the culture of a business' target markets
• having established contacts in a business' target markets.

Internet poses a challenge to importers

The growing popularity of international shopping sites, such as Amazon and AliExpress, poses a threat to New Zealand importers of the goods these websites sell.

This could reduce job opportunities in future.

Types of employers varied

Importers/exporters are often self-employed, or work for manufacturing or distribution companies.

They may also work for:

• export collectives or co-operatives such as Fonterra
• companies that export some of their goods
• companies that export goods on behalf of manufacturers
• retailers
• distributors.

New Zealand School of Export

06 356 5656 - info@export.ac.nz - www.export.ac.nz

Importers/exporters may move into managerial or consultant positions in the industry, or run their own business.

They may specialise in areas such as:

• dairy
• wool
• textiles
• machinery
• electronics.

They may also specialise in roles such as:

Export Agent

Export agents help companies to sell their products to an overseas market (where the export agent is usually based). They are usually paid a sales commission.

Import Agent

Import agents calculate exchange rates and order foreign products. They ensure the legality of importing and selling products.

Importers/exporters need to be:

• able to make good judgements
• quick-thinking and able to work well under pressure
• good at written and oral communication
• good at time management
• able to work well alone and as part of a team
• able to relate to people from a range of cultures and backgrounds.