US Tariffs Deal Blow to New Zealand Trade

New Zealand's trade minister has expressed disappointment over US President Donald Trump's decision to impose new tariffs on New Zealand imports. The tariffs, which range from 10% to 12.5%, will apply to about 60 countries, including New Zealand.

According to Xinhua, Trade Minister Todd McClay described the move as 'very disappointing' and said it would add uncertainty at a time when the world trading system is under pressure. He also rejected the findings of the US investigation into the enforcement of bans on goods produced with forced labour, saying the process was not rigorous.

The minister pointed out that imports created with forced labour play no measurable role in New Zealand's economy. McClay said New Zealand had engaged with the Office of the US Trade Representative and the US State Department in good faith but argued the investigation provided a legal pretext for broad tariffs rather than effectively combating forced labour.