Friday, 14 March 2025 07:55

Editorial: Escaping Trump's wrath

Written by  Staff Reporters
The problem for NZ is that the US has grown in importance as a market for our meat, so yes, we do need the US, probably more than they need us. The problem for NZ is that the US has grown in importance as a market for our meat, so yes, we do need the US, probably more than they need us.

OPINION: President Donald Trump's bizarre hard line approach to the world of what was once 'rules-based trade' has got New Zealand government officials, politicians and exporters on tenterhooks.

They are crossing their fingers that NZ will somehow avoid the wrath that Trump has inflicted on Canada, Mexico and to a slightly lesser degree on China, while leaving the supposed enemy, Russia unscathed. Trump and his hatchet team have thrown the whole world into chaos, yet, unbelievably, many Americans think they are right.

The strategy from NZ thus far has been to be a 'stealth fighter jet' and remain unseen by Trump's radar. But how long will this be possible? NZ has a few things going for it, starting with the fact that we don't have a major trade imbalance with the US. And maybe being small is helpful - who knows?

The problem for NZ is that the US has grown in importance as a market for our meat, so yes, we do need the US, probably more than they need us.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's comments on the Trump administration have been carefully phrased so as not to offend. He has wisely taken the line of his officials, avoiding at all costs any comments that might offend or spark a negative response to NZ.

But despite this delicate diplomacy, the chances are that through no fault of its own, NZ will likely get caught in the crossfire between the US and the other countries it is targeting.

Opposition leader Chris Hipkins has said it's unlikely that NZ will get off scot-free in the turmoil that Donald Trump is creating. If any of NZ's trading partners suffer economically from what is happening, we too will likely suffer.

As of now, the Government is playing its cards right with the US and one can only hope this helps mitigate any major damage to our economy.

More like this

$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.

Labour's pains

OPINION: After a run of bad polls and mixed economic news, PM Christopher Luxon was no doubt hoping for a bit of luck.

Editorial: Hope for the best

New Zealand's dairy industry is right to call out Donald Trump over the damage the additional 15% tariff the US is imposing on our exports but also imposition on lower tariffs on our competitors.

Featured

Elite sheep dogs to go head-to-head at Ashburton A&P Show

A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.

Safer Rides initiative boosts farm quad bike safety

According to a new report, the Safer Rides initiative, which offered farmers heavily discounted crush protection devices (CPDs) for quad bikes, has made a significant impact in raising awareness and action around farm vehicle safety.

Editorial: Farewell Jim

OPINION: In the past weeks, much has been said and written about one of New Zealand's greatest prime ministers, James Brendan Bolger, who died just a few months after his 90th birthday.

National

Tributes paid to Jim Bolger

Dignitaries from  all walks of life – the governor general,  politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church…

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Red faced

OPINION: The Greens have taken the high moral ground on the Palestine issue and been leading political agitators in related…

Cold comfort

One of the most galling aspects of the tariffs whacked on our farm exports to the US is the fact…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter