New Zealand trade minister says new US tariffs "Very disappointing"

WELLINGTON - New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay on Friday described as "very disappointing" a US decision to impose new tariffs on New Zealand imports, reported Xinhua.

US President Donald Trump announced new tariffs of 10 per cent to 12.5 per cent on imports from dozens of trading partners under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, following a US investigation into the enforcement of bans on goods produced with forced labour.

New Zealand will face a tariff of 12.5 per cent, although beef and kiwifruit appear to be exempt. Dairy and wine do not appear to be among the exemptions, New Zealand news website Stuff reported.

"It's just not credible that imports created with forced labour play any measurable role in New Zealand's economy," McClay was quoted as saying, adding New Zealand rejected the findings of the US investigation, saying the process "was not rigorous."

The minister said New Zealand had engaged with the Office of the US Trade Representative and the US State Department in good faith but argued the investigation "provides a legal pretext for broad tariffs rather than effectively combating forced labour."

McClay said the actions would add "uncertainty at a time when the world trading system is under real pressure" and called for like-minded countries to "work together to strengthen trade and investment, including reducing barriers."

The new tariffs are due to take effect as temporary 10-per cent worldwide tariffs imposed earlier by the Trump administration expire on Friday. According to the US government, the measures will apply to imports from about 60 countries. - BERNAMA