These now tariff-free products account for around 25% of New Zealand’s total exports.
WASHINGTON – On Sunday evening, New Zealand welcomed the announcement by the United States that it will remove additional tariffs on a number of New Zealand agricultural products, including beef, offal, and kiwifruit.
However, the New Zealand government stressed that it wants all US tariffs on New Zealand goods to be fully abolished.
President Donald Trump had earlier, on Friday, lifted tariffs he had imposed on more than 200 food products, including beef, amid consumer concerns over rising prices of essentials in the US.
According to reuters.com, the New Zealand government stated that the products now exempt from tariffs account for around 25% of New Zealand’s total exports to the US, worth approximately NZ$2.21 billion (US$1.25 billion) per year.
New Zealand’s Trade Minister, Todd McClay, said in a statement released on Sunday evening that the US remains an important trading partner.
“The decision to remove these tariffs is a positive step and will be welcomed by exporters who have long faced uncertainty and additional costs,” he said.
Nonetheless, McClay emphasised that the removal is still partial, and the broader framework of reciprocal tariffs continues to add costs and uncertainty for New Zealand exporters.
He added that he will continue to push for the balanced trade relationship between the two countries to serve as a reason for abolishing all remaining US tariffs on other New Zealand exports. (DK/LM)
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