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

RSE Scheme Changes Coming - McClay

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has admitted that a scheme bringing workers from Pacific nations to work on orchards has become too hard to navigate but says changes are coming.

Featured

Tatua Chair Stephen Allen Retires After 30 Years of Service

Tatua Co-operative Dairy Company has confirmed that chair and director Stephen Allen will retire at the co-operative's annual general meeting (AGM) on 3 December 2026, ending 30 years of service, including more than 20 years as Chair.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

'LinkedIn Greens'

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…

UK Warning

OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter