In a response to the complexities of global trade, the University of Auckland is set to host the 2025 Auckland Trade and Economic Policy School (ATEPS) on 19 November 2025. This one-day conference will bring together key figures in trade and international business to discuss the latest challenges and strategies for navigating an increasingly turbulent trade environment.
With global trade significantly impacted by changes in U.S. tariff policies under former President Donald Trump, small trading nations like New Zealand face unique challenges. Dr. Deborah Elms, head of trade policy at the Hinrich Foundation in Singapore, emphasizes the importance of diverse trade partnerships for smaller economies. “The best strategy for small, open economies is to have as many diverse trade partners as possible,” she stated.
Insights on Trade Resilience
This year’s conference theme, Resilience by Design – Future-Proofing Strategies Amid Tariffs, Trade Barriers, and Global Shifts, aims to equip attendees with new insights into the evolving geopolitical landscape and agile business practices. The event will feature a diverse lineup of speakers, including Hon. Nicola Grigg, New Zealand’s Minister of State for Trade, and Professor Peter Draper from the University of Adelaide.
Dr. Elms will deliver a keynote address, where she will discuss the benefits of regional trade agreements. While bilateral deals can be beneficial, they often struggle to include sensitive products like agricultural goods. “Regional deals can provide more opportunities to create win-win outcomes for the larger group,” she noted, highlighting that larger arrangements can better address the needs of sensitive sectors, such as dairy.
The conference will also feature contributions from other notable speakers, including Matt Li, UK Trade Counsellor for Asia-Pacific, and HE Lawrence Meredith, EU Ambassador. Their perspectives will add to the discourse on how nations can adapt to shifting trade dynamics.
Addressing Global Challenges
As the global power balance shifts, Dr. Elms stresses the need for small countries to maintain maximum flexibility. “Navigating the balance between big players has always been difficult to manage,” she explained. With the ongoing climate crisis, she identifies both risks and opportunities for trade. Changing agricultural conditions globally will affect farmers and consumers alike, creating demands for diversified supply chains.
“Consumers are still asking for sustainably produced goods; if these can be provided at a reasonable cost, it offers a competitive edge,” Dr. Elms added.
Registration for the ATEPS conference remains open, inviting industry leaders, policymakers, and scholars from across the region to participate in this critical dialogue. The event is organized by the Public Policy Institute and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade, highlighting the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders in addressing the challenges posed by a rapidly changing international trade environment.
As global commerce continues to evolve, events like ATEPS serve as essential platforms for sharing knowledge and forging new connections that can help small nations thrive amid uncertainty.
