Significance
For New Zealand, the agreement is a critical addition to its FTAs, which include the yet-to-be-ratified Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTTP). For the EU, the agreement, along with one being negotiated simultaneously with Australia (and in addition to FTAs with Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Vietnam) will enhance its Asia-Pacific presence.
Impacts
New Zealand will also seek an FTA with the post-Brexit United Kingdom; prospects are positive given economic complementarities.
Australia and New Zealand have deep economic links: talks for their individual FTAs with the EU will influence each other.
EU “geographical indicators” requirements mean New Zealand producers face renaming products, notably cheese and wine.