COMMENT: Recent estimates show that most members of the Trans-Pacific Partnership will make substantial gains, unlike those who opt not to participate.

New Zealand trade officials have signed a deal with the world's largest online marketplace, China's Alibaba Group.

COMMENT: Free trade will top PM's priorities, with issues including dairy, territory and extradition.

COMMENT: These days, the worst multinational corporations have names you've never heard.

Prime Minister John Key will visit China this month to discuss the free trade agreement between the two countries.

The price of the vanilla bean has more than tripled in the past year as output slips and quality suffers.

The long-held faith in open markets is beginning to fade - and it isn't just political rhetoric, reports Bill Powell.

COMMENT: Does economics still believe in free trade?

Under Key and Turnbull's leadership, the relationship between the nations is now stronger and closer than between any other country on earth, writes Alex Malley.

New Zealand wholesale trade dips in fourth quarter on decline in basic material products.

De Beers is ramping up diamond sales to cash in on a recovery from last year's slump.

Population growth, construction and tourism offset declines in NZ dairy prices.

To the extent that robots become a less expensive input than labor in the production process, multinationals will be encouraged to "onshore" output to move it closer to their customer bases.

New Zealand unexpectedly posted a trade surplus last month as exports rose more than forecast, with higher shipments of wood, dairy and fruit.

President Barack Obama told governors Monday that he remains "cautiously optimistic" that Congress will approve a sweeping trade deal with 11 Pacific Rim nations this year.

Excess supply in industry augurs tough six months.

Ports of Auckland posted a 9.5 percent increase in first-half profit as the country's third-biggest port slashed its maintenance bill.

Magali Silva says small countries need to enter mega-regional agreements to thrive, writes Fran O'Sullivan.

Fierce debate that surrounded the TPP signing will move to Parliament today as the Government starts the process to ratify the huge trade deal

United States Trade Representative Mike Froman has rolled out a welcome mat to newbie ambassador to the US, Tim Groser.

Music sensation Stan Walker has spoken out against supporting the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

Free study far easier to boast about than secretive trade deal that prioritises multinationals.

Benefits from tariff cuts under the TPP trade pact will amount to a mere $40 a year for every New Zealander, writes Tim Hazledine.

As nations gather in Auckland to sign giant trade deal, NZ eyes role as secretariat to steer in more members.

This year's Waitangi "issue" has been selected. It has been determined that the TPP is the most pressing issue on the Maori agenda, writes Jon Stokes.

Asia's biggest economy looks to limit manufacturers to three labels and impose stricter safety procedures.

Some Maori business leaders say there are risks with the TPP, but people should look at it again to see the benefits it offers for the Maori economy.

Business and industry group leaders have lent their support to the TPP free trade agreement in an open letter to Prime Minister John Key.

In an open letter to Andrew Little, Stephen Jacobi argues Labour should take closer look at the TPP deal.