Thursday, 03 April 2025 12:38

NZ interests best served when trade flows freely - McClay

Written by  Staff Reporters
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay. Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay.

Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand's trade interests are best served in a world where trade flows freely.

His comments follow the announcement from US President Donald Trump that New Zealand would face a 10% tariff on goods entering the United States.

"While this is a significant development, New Zealand remains competitive against other exporters in the U.S. market," McClay says.

He says tariffs have consequences for the global economy, impacting inflation, demand, currency stability, and economic growth.

"While these tariffs create additional costs that will largely be passed on to consumers, New Zealand is in a stronger position than many other countries, some who are facing higher tariff barriers," McClay says. "This reinforces the importance of our work to create new trade opportunities and reduce barriers for our exporters in the EU, UK, UAE, GCC and most recently India."

McClay says New Zealand's bilateral relationship with the United States is still strong.

"We will be talking with the Administration to get more information, and our exporters to better understand the impact this announcement will have," he adds.

"We will continue to advocate for a rules-based trading system."

More like this

Fieldays calls for strategic investment in its future

A function at Parliament on 7th October brought together central government decision-makers, MPs, industry stakeholders and commercial partners to highlight the need for strategic investment in the future of Fieldays and its home, the Mystery Creek Events Centre campus.

McClay: “Go hard, go fast!"

Opening a new $3 million methane research barn in Waikato this month, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay called on the dairy sector to “go as fast as you can and prove the concepts”.

$2b boost in NZ exports to EU

New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.

Featured

India-New Zealand free trade agreement (FTA) dairy outcomes

OPINION: As negotiations advance on the India-New Zealand FTA, it’s important to remember the joint commitment made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the beginning of this process in March: for a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial agreement.

Honesty vital in flood insurance claims, says IFSO

As New Zealand experiences more frequent and severe flooding events, the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is urging consumers to be honest and accurate when making insurance claims for flood damage.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Picking winners?

OPINION: Every time politicians come up with an investment scheme where they're going to have a crack at 'picking winners'…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter