The Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (MFAT) has released its latest US trade update highlighting recent tariff changes and ongoing investigations that could affect New Zealand exporters.
The report notes that a 15% additional tariff is now being applied to most New Zealand goods entering the United States, up from 10% previously. Certain sectors are facing much steeper increases, with autos and auto parts now subject to a 25% tariff, while steel, aluminium and copper exports are facing tariffs of 50%. These changes affect hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of trade and underline the importance of close monitoring for impacted businesses.
MFAT also reports that the US is continuing investigations under Section 232 that cover a wide range of sectors, including timber and lumber, pharmaceuticals and their ingredients, semiconductors, trucks, critical minerals, aircraft and parts, unmanned systems and polysilicon derivatives. The outcomes of these reviews will be important in shaping the future trade environment for New Zealand goods in the US market.
The NZUS Council remains focused on advocating for fair and open trade between New Zealand and the United States, and on keeping stakeholders informed of developments.
Read the full MFAT report here.
You can get further guidance about US tariffs for NZ exporters from both MFAT and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE):