Export New Zealand says competition will be reduced by a Danish shipping line's decision to cut back its port visits to Tauranga.

Maersk is to use Auckland as its main North Island drop off point, ending months of speculation after announcing a review of its New Zealand service.

The President of Export New Zealand in the Bay of Plenty, Mark Redpath, says shipping companies which continue to visit Tauranga will have a stronger hand when it comes to negotiating prices.

He says the high dollar means exporters are already operating on fine margins, so any price increase is likely to have a major impact.