Skip to main content

Does he agree with the Minister for Foreign Affairs that “We start with the view that if a country decides its tariff policy, that is a matter between the taxpayers of that country and the Government and no one else”, and if so, why did MFAT officials and embassy staff advocate to the United States for them not to increase tariffs on New Zealand’s exports?

Answered Question 3132 (2026)
Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • Does he agree with the Minister for Foreign Affairs that “We start with the view that if a country decides its tariff policy, that is a matter between the taxpayers of that country and the Government and no one else”, and if so, why did MFAT officials and embassy staff advocate to the United States for them not to increase tariffs on New Zealand’s exports?

Answered by

Hon Todd McClay

Member for Rotorua · National Party · Minister for Trade and Investment

Answer

Countries determine their tariff rates on the basis of a variety of factors, including in the contexts of commitments stemming from membership of the World Trade Organization and of other trade agreements with specific partner countries. New Zealand’s trading relationship with the US is balanced and we will continue to advocate for the additional tariffs on New Zealand exports to be removed.