Story perspectives

US Slaps 12.5% Tariff on NZ Exports, Brazil Threatens Retaliation

7/24/2026

Summary

US Imposes Tariff

On July 24, 2026 the United States announced a 12.5% tariff on most New Zealand exports, replacing a temporary 10% duty and exempting beef and kiwifruit.
The tariff follows President Donald Trump’s order to punish 60 partners that have not enforced a forced-labour import ban.
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay called the U.S. process “not rigorous,” said forced-labour imports have no measurable economic impact, and warned the tariffs create trade uncertainty.

Summary

US Tariff Clash

The United States imposed Section 301 duties after a February Supreme Court ruling barred use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for earlier tariffs.
Brazil’s government called the tariffs arbitrary and unjustified and announced retaliatory duties on U.S. goods.
The International Labour Organisation defines forced labour as work under threat of penalty without consent and estimated 27.6 million people were in forced labour worldwide on any given day in 2021.

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US Imposes Tariff

On July 24, 2026 the United States announced a 12.5% tariff on most New Zealand exports, replacing a temporary 10% duty and exempting beef and kiwifruit.
The tariff follows President Donald Trump’s order to punish 60 partners that have not enforced a forced-labour import ban.
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay called the U.S. process “not rigorous,” said forced-labour imports have no measurable economic impact, and warned the tariffs create trade uncertainty.

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