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

Government Mulling Plan Change 1 Intervention

The Government is looking at intervening on behalf of Waikato farmers who face new regulations around agricultural land use while Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms are underway.

Featured

DairyNZ: Waikato Farmers Need Certainty on PC1 Rules

DairyNZ says Waikato farmers need certainty on Plan Change 1, but they say that certainty must be matched with practical, workable rules and a clear transition that doesn't get ahead of the new resource management system currently under review.

Ravensdown Named Naming Rights Sponsor of A&P Show

Farmer owned co-operative Ravensdown has signed a two-year naming rights sponsorship of the Canterbury A&P Show.

Editorial: Wool's Back in the Black

OPINION: Confidence in the wool sector is rebounding as prices hit levels not seen in more than 15 years.

Queenstown to Host Sold-Out New Zealand Apple and Pear Conference

More than 300 growers, exporters, researchers, service providers and industry leaders will descend on Queenstown later this month for EXPO 2026, the annual conference for New Zealand’s apple and pear sector.

National

Machinery & Products

 

 

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Great Idea!

OPINION: Central Hawke's Bay farmer Mark Warren recently told the Hawke's Bay Times it's time for a conversation about allowing…

No Choice

OPINION: A nation that relies as heavily as NZ does on functional global shipping lanes will have to do its…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter