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.
The Government's revised 2050 biogenic methane target range of 14-24% by 2050 is being welcomed by dairy farmers.
An increasing number of students are doing agricultural and horticultural degrees at Massey University by distance learning.
ANZ New Zealand is encouraging farmers and businesses impacted by the recent extreme weather that hit Southland and South Otago last week to seek support if they need it.
When Professor Pierre Venter takes up his new role as vice chancellor at Massey University next February it will just be a matter of taking a few steps across the road to get to his new office at the Palmerston North Campus.
Two rural data organisations - DairyNZ’s DairyBase and Farm Focus - have formed a new partnership that aims to remove data duplication and help provide more timely, useful benchmarking insights for farmers.
BNZ says it is backing aspiring dairy farmers through an innovative new initiative that helps make the first step to farm ownership or sharemilking a little easier.

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