PetersForeign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says New Zealand is closely monitoring a new United States proposal that could see Kiwi exports hit with tariffs of up to 12.5 percent as Washington escalates its crackdown on imports linked to forced labour concerns.
The proposed measures, announced by the United States Trade Representative, target around 60 trading partners and would impose tariffs ranging from 10 percent to 12.5 percent on countries deemed to have insufficient safeguards against the importation of goods produced through forced labour. New Zealand is among the countries potentially affected.
Speaking to Radio Waatea, Peters said the Government was taking the issue seriously and engaging through diplomatic and trade channels to understand the implications for New Zealand exporters.
The latest move is part of a broader effort by the United States to re-establish tariff measures after earlier trade actions were struck down through the American courts. The new proposal relies on provisions within the US Trade Act that allow investigations into trading partners’ labour practices and supply chains.
For New Zealand, the concern is not only the potential tariff rate itself but also the wider uncertainty facing international trade.
The United States remains one of New Zealand’s most important export destinations, purchasing billions of dollars’ worth of meat, wine, dairy, machinery and other products each year. Any increase in trade barriers could have flow-on effects for exporters already navigating volatile global markets.
Trade experts say the proposal reflects a growing trend toward linking trade policy with labour standards and supply chain accountability. However, critics argue the measures may also be part of a broader protectionist agenda designed to rebuild tariff barriers after recent legal setbacks in the United States.
Peters has previously emphasised the importance of maintaining diversified export markets and strengthening relationships beyond traditional trading partners. The Government has recently pursued new trade opportunities, including a landmark free trade agreement with India, as part of a wider strategy to reduce reliance on any single market.
The proposed US tariffs are not expected to take effect immediately. They must first undergo a public consultation and review process before any final decision is made.
Nevertheless, the announcement has created concern across global markets, with major economies including the European Union, United Kingdom, Japan, Australia and Canada also caught in the proposed measures.
For Māori exporters, iwi businesses and the primary sector, any disruption to international trade flows could have significant implications. Māori agribusinesses play a growing role in sectors such as dairy, forestry, horticulture, seafood and red meat production, all of which rely heavily on access to overseas markets.
As the review process unfolds, Peters says New Zealand’s focus will remain on protecting its economic interests while continuing to advocate for fair and rules-based international trade.
The outcome of the US proposal could have implications far beyond tariffs, potentially shaping future debates around trade, labour standards and global supply chains in an increasingly uncertain international environment.
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