Confusion as Donald Trump says NZ has a 20% tariff against the US

An economist says he is surprised to see a US chart stating that New Zealand imposes 20 percent tariffs on imports from the United States. US President Donald Trump has been announcing his global tariff plan in a speech from the Rose Garden on the White House. New Zealand will face a 10 percent tariff on its imports to the US, with rates between 20 and 50 percent for countries judged to have major tariffs on US goods.

New Zealand exports were worth about $9 billion last year, meaning theoretically New Zealand exporters will be penalised about $900 million. A US chart says New Zealand imposes 20 percent on US imports, which is not explained given most goods from the US have low or no tariffs imposed. Westpac chief economist Kelly Eckhold said it was surprising to see New Zealand listed as imposing a 20 percent tariff on the US.



"My best speculation here is that is probably a combination of the GST rate plus we do have some tariffs against the US in some products set at a minimum WTO agreed level. What I'm confused about is why they say Australia is 10 percent. They also have a GST, and similarly the United Kingdom is assessed at 10 as well and they have a value-added tax.

" He said it was not good news for New Zealand. More to come..

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