Editorial: We are Trumped
OPINION: Nothing it seems can be done in the short term to get Donald Trump to change his mind about removing the unfair 15% tariffs that he’s imposed on New Zealand exports to the US.
Trade and New Zealand’s position on it has been high on the agenda recently.
In mid-March the Government announced a refresh of the country’s trade agenda to increase our exporters’ competitiveness -- the primary sector is a key player -- in an increasingly challenging global trading environment.
The US derailing of the TPP and its retreat to a more isolationist stance under the Trump administration, the UK Brexit and a host of non-tariff barriers imposed by countries around the world are just some of these challenges.
Meanwhile, last week’s visit to NZ by China’s Premier Li and a trade delegation emphasises the importance of NZ’s burgeoning trading alliance with the Asian tiger. News that we will soon begin talks on upgrading our free trade agreement (FTA) with China and the first trial shipments of chilled meat to that country is great for NZ’s primary sector and our wider economy.
There appears to be a growing mood among some politicians and commentators – those trying to cash in on the populism of the Trump and Brexit movements – that trade, especially freer world trade, is dubious. That is not only wrong, it is dangerous and deceitful.
Trade is the lifeblood of NZ’s economy, and to truly grow and prosper we need to expand and develop our trading links with the world. Freer trade not only benefits exporters, it accounts for 60% of NZ’s economic activity – both imports and exports.
A freer, more open world economy not only secures NZ greater access to more markets and higher prices for our exports, it also enables us to enjoy a much wider range of goods and services than ever before.
At least 90% of NZ’s farm production is exported, making international trade crucial for Kiwi farmers’ livelihoods and vital for the whole economy. Given that NZ is the world’s twelth-largest trader of agricultural products (by value), the number one sheep meat and dairy exporter, and the number two wool exporter, all NZers should well understand that freer trade is not only fundamental, it is vital to our agricultural sector.
Agricultural exports continue to face major barriers worldwide, notably high tariffs, increasing use of non-tariff barriers and domestic subsidies. Efforts to reduce or eliminate these – as outlined in the new trade strategy – have never been more important.
It is vital the Government remains focused on international trade liberalisation, further improving market access and tackling non-tariff barriers.
NZPork has appointed Auckland-based Paul Bucknell as its new chair.
The Government claims to have delivered on its election promise to protect productive farmland from emissions trading scheme (ETS) but red meat farmers aren’t happy.
Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks could have a detrimental impact on any country's rural sector, as seen in the United Kingdom's 2000 outbreak that saw the compulsory slaughter of over six million animals.
The Ministry for the Environment is joining as a national award sponsor in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards (BFEA from next year).
Kiwis are wasting less of their food than they were two years ago, and this has been enough to push New Zealand’s total household food waste bill lower, the 2025 Rabobank KiwiHarvest Food Waste survey has found.
OPINION: Sir Lockwood Smith has clearly and succinctly defined what academic freedom is all about, the boundaries around it and the responsibility that goes with this privilege.
OPINION: For years, the ironically named Dr Mike Joy has used his position at Victoria University to wage an activist-style…
OPINION: A mate of yours truly has had an absolute gutsful of the activist group SAFE.