The United States is set to impose tariffs of 12.5% on imports from New Zealand and Australia, as part of a broader trade crackdown targeting approximately 60 economies.
The new duties, which range from 10% to 12.5% depending on the country, are scheduled to take effect this Friday, marking a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s efforts to rebuild its tariff regime.
The move places New Zealand and Australia in the higher bracket of the new tariff structure, alongside other major trading partners including the European Union.
According to RNZ Business, the determination by the US trade office classifies these nations among the 60 economies facing the increased levies.
This broad application of tariffs signals a shift toward a more protectionist trade policy, affecting a wide array of goods and sectors.
The imposition of these tariffs is likely to trigger immediate market reactions, particularly in commodities and export-heavy sectors.