AInvest Newsletter
Daily stocks & crypto headlines, free to your inbox
US to impose 15% tariffs on goods from New Zealand
ByAinvest
Thursday, Jul 31, 2025 7:16 pm ET1min read
US to impose 15% tariffs on goods from New Zealand
New Zealand exporters may face a significant increase in tariffs as the United States prepares to raise its baseline tariff rate. Trade Minister Todd McClay has indicated that the US tariff on Kiwi products could rise to 15% from Friday, although this has not been officially confirmed [1].Since April 5, American importers of New Zealand products have been paying a 10% universal tariff on all goods, plus a 25% rate on steel and aluminium. However, US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose much higher "reciprocal" tariff rates on some countries, with a 15% or 20% baseline for those countries which have not struck deals with the US [2].
McClay stated that trade officials in Washington had informed New Zealand diplomats that the 10% rate was still the base rate but that it could change without notice. He noted that while a 15% tariff would not be welcome, New Zealand exporters had adjusted well and would be able to cope with the increase [1].
The uncertainty surrounding trade policy remains a significant challenge for exporters and their customers, making it difficult to set prices or forecast demand. However, some businesses have reported stronger demand for their products as the NZ-US trade relationship is seen as more stable and the tariff is lower than competitors [1].
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand predicts that weaker global growth due to tariffs will reduce demand for Kiwi exports and lower the price of imports into New Zealand. However, this is occurring against a backdrop of already strong export prices, particularly for dairy and beef, which may allow for lower interest rates [1].
The opening of a standalone FBI office in Wellington by the United States also underscores the strengthening of the US-New Zealand partnership, particularly in countering China's influence in the Pacific region [3].
References:
[1] https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/134473/tariffs-facing-new-zealand-exporters-could-be-lifted-15-donald-trumps-window-trade
[2] https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/donald-trumps-tariff-deadline-expires-today-trade-minister-todd-mcclay-fronts-media/GGMK3MNPEFDKDMTDSPNU74AWIY/
[3] https://www.aol.com/news/us-fbi-opens-office-zealand-030910026.html
Ainvest News articles are AI-generated using advanced large language model (LLM) technology designed to analyze and synthesize publicly available data and news. While AI tools assist in producing initial drafts and insights, all AI generated content published on Ainvest is subject to comprehensive human editorial review before publication. A designated human editor reviews, verifies, and approves each article for factual accuracy, coherence, and compliance with AInvest Fintech Inc’s editorial and disclosure standards.
Despite these review procedures, the information provided may still contain inaccuracies, incomplete data, or time sensitive references due to the inherent limitations of AI generated analysis and evolving changes. The material is provided strictly for informational and educational purposes and does not constitute personalized investment, legal, or financial advice. Readers should independently verify all facts, figures, and statements before making any decision based on this content.
AInvest Fintech Inc. its affiliates, and partners accept no liability or responsibility for any direct or consequential losses arising from reliance on this content. All articles and analyses are subject to revision, update, or removal without prior notice to maintain accuracy and integrity in our publications.
Comments

No comments yet