New Zealand Lamb Exporters at Risk of Fresh Trump Tariffs, Trade Minister Says
New Zealand's Trade Minister has warned that the country's lamb exporters face the risk of fresh US tariffs under Donald Trump's trade agenda. Producers and processors say they are stepping up lobbying to preserve market access to American supermarkets.
New Zealand's Trade Minister said the United States administration could include lamb in a fresh round of tariffs being prepared under Donald Trump's trade agenda. The minister said New Zealand representatives in Washington have pressed for the country's primary-export competitive position to be preserved.
The US market has become one of the fastest growing destinations for New Zealand lamb in recent years. Industry estimates suggest a meaningful tariff line could shave a single-digit percentage from total export earnings for the sector.
Alternative markets in Australia, China and the European Union may provide a partial buffer should the tariff scenario materialise. Sector representatives have asked the Wellington government for a clear negotiating mandate to pursue a fresh preferential trade framework with the United States.
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