New Zealand signs environmental trade deal with Switzerland, Costa Rica and Iceland

SYDNEY (Reuters) - New Zealand on Tuesday signed trade deals with Switzerland, Costa Rica and Iceland to remove tariffs on hundreds of environmental products, in a move Wellington says will address climate change and sustainability challenges.

The Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS) will especially benefit New Zealand's wool industry, Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay said in a statement.

“ACCTS will open new markets for New Zealand exporters and grow in benefit over time as more countries join,” he said.

Tariffs will be eliminated on over 300 environmental goods, including solar panels, wind and hydraulic turbines, electric vehicles, wool fibre, recycled paper, electric static converters, and wood products.

Norway is also considering whether to sign the agreement, the government said.

(Reporting by Alasdair Pal in Sydney; Editing by Michael Perry)