Economy & Trade
New Zealand prime minister condemns new US tariffs
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon criticised new United States tariffs on Friday, calling them "extremely disappointing", after New Zealand and 59 other countries faced fresh levies linked to forced-labour concerns.
Luxon said on X that the US investigation did not provide meaningful evidence to support claims about forced labour. He said tariffs were not the right approach because they raise costs and create uncertainty for businesses.
The levies take effect Friday and range from 10 percent to 12.5 percent. They affect major economies including China, India and the European Union. New Zealand faces a 12.5 percent rate.
Australia was also given a 12.5 percent levy. Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell described the tariffs as unjustified, inconsistent with Australia's free trade agreement, and said they should be removed.
Update
The levies are effective Friday and range from 10 percent to 12.5 percent.
New Zealand faces a 12.5 percent tariff rate.
The source says the levies affect major economies including China, India and the European Union.
Australia faces the same 12.5 percent levy as New Zealand.
Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell said the tariffs were unjustified, inconsistent with Australia's free trade agreement, and should be removed.
Source note: AFP news report published on 24 July 2026 at 01:44:23 UTC.
Update
The tariffs were described as fresh US levies linked to forced-labour concerns.
New Zealand and 59 other countries were affected.
Christopher Luxon said on X that the US investigation did not provide meaningful evidence to support forced-labour claims.
Source note: AFP news report published on 24 July 2026 at 01:32:09 UTC.
Uncertainty notes
The source does not give details of the US investigation beyond Luxon's criticism of it.
Source
AFP news report published on .