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Newsweek
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Donald Trump Hotel Gets Dragged Into Sean 'Diddy' Combs Trial
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Sean "Diddy" Combs' former assistant said the rapper and music mogul's favorite hotel in New York City was the Trump International Hotel. David James, who worked as Combs' assistant from 2007 to 2009, continued his testimony on Tuesday. He detailed how he would set up hotel rooms for Combs with his clothes, toiletry bag, medicine bag, applesauce, Jell-O and Fiji Water. 'Trump International, they knew me very well, they gave me a key," James said. Why It Matters Combs is charged federally with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial has included various mentions of celebrities, high-profile individuals and famous locations, now including President Donald Trump's New York City hotel. Trump International Hotel at One Central Park West in New York City, as seen on February 18, 2024. Trump International Hotel at One Central Park West in New York City, as seen on February 18, 2024. zz/Andrea Renault/STAR MAX/IPx What To Know James said Combs' toiletry bag had about 40 products, including hair dye. He said Combs also had a Louis Vuitton pouch with about $10,000 in cash and up to 30 medicine bottles, with some unmarked. James said the medications included Viagra, sperm count pills, ecstasy and Percocet. He testified that one of the medications featured former President Barack Obama's face. "There were various pills, but one was in the form of a former president's face," James said. James said he saw Combs take ecstasy and Percocet on a regular basis. "I would say every day," James said. James recalled taking ecstasy at a New Year's Eve party in Miami. He later learned that the party had been videotaped. He said he was also tasked with purchasing baby oil, lube and condoms for Combs. Combs told James to pay for the items in cash so they would not be linked back to Combs, according to James' testimony. James said he had to take lie detector tests twice during his employment: once after cash went missing and once after a watch went missing. He passed both times. James said he decided to leave the position after a 2008 incident involving record executive Marion Hugh "Suge" Knight Jr. James said a friend of Combs spotted Knight at Mel's Diner in Los Angeles. When the friend informed Combs, Combs grabbed three guns and told James to drive to the diner. "This was the first time as his assistant that I realized my life was in danger. I told them I want to leave but give six months notice so I could train the next assistant," James said. Sharay Hayes, a male escort, also testified on Tuesday. Hayes said he had his first encounter with Combs and former partner Cassie Ventura at Trump International Hotel in New York City. He testified that Ventura told him to "create a sexy scene of me and her applying baby oil on each other and create a sexy environment" for Combs to watch. What People Are Saying David James recalled taking the lie detector tests in his testimony: "It was very intimidating." Sharay Hayes recalled Cassie Ventura's instructions regarding Sean "Diddy" Combs in his testimony: "Try not to look at him and no communication." What Happens Next The prosecution is expected to continue calling witnesses as the second week of Combs' trial unfolds. The trial is expected to last eight to 10 weeks. Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@
Miami Herald
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
‘The White Lotus' effect: How HBO's hit series is redefining travel, style, and brand strategy
Since its debut, "The White Lotus" has quietly built a world that audiences don't just watch—they want to live in. Its sun-drenched beaches, tangled characters, and simmering tension have struck a cultural chord, turning HBO's hit into more than just entertainment. It's become a mood, a vibe, a version of luxury that feels both relatable and out of reach. Viewers don't just want to vacation like they're at the White Lotus—they want to dress like the characters, eat what they eat, and bring that same aesthetic into their homes. And brands are responding. From fashion and food to beauty and home design, companies are channeling the show's atmosphere into curated products and immersive experiences that feel straight out of the script. So how did a sharp satire on privilege become a roadmap for selling modern luxury? It's a question with bigger implications—for branding, for culture, and for the way desire is being designed. Compartés takes a closer look. Why 'The White Lotus' Works for Brands For decades, movies and television have quietly blurred entertainment with advertising. For example: Jim Carrey's charmingly oblivious character in "The Truman Show," unwittingly endorsed everything from Fiji Water to kitchen appliances, satirizing consumer culture's fixation with products woven into daily life. Ironically, the film's critique did little to diminish the audience's interest in the brands featured. Rather, people simply smiled and bought the products anyway. But something subtler—and perhaps even smarter—is happening with HBO's "The White Lotus." Unlike "Truman's" forced endorsements, "The White Lotus" effortlessly draws viewers into a world that brands are eager to join. Instead of overt product placement, the show has created an environment that naturally captures consumer attention. Here's exactly why it works: Escapism and Luxury That Feels Real Every season drops us into a different postcard: a Hawaiian resort, a Sicilian palace, and most recently, a secluded sanctuary in Thailand. But the fantasy isn't just about travel—it's about stepping into a version of life where time slows, money flows, and the problems are beautifully dressed. Even as characters unravel, the setting stays pristine. For brands, that backdrop is priceless. Whether it's a linen suit, a silk robe, or a designer bag peeking from a suitcase, the environment makes each item feel like part of a curated escape—and consumers want in. Irony and Commentary on Class One of the show's biggest strengths is how openly it mocks the habits and hang-ups of the ultra-wealthy, even as it celebrates their lavish lifestyle. Tanya, played brilliantly by Jennifer Coolidge, perfectly illustrates this contradiction—her extravagant outfits, clueless decisions, and emotional vulnerability poke fun at privilege without ever losing empathy. Similarly, Season 2's Harper and Ethan awkwardly navigate the pitfalls of newfound wealth at a luxurious Sicilian resort, highlighting how uncomfortable—and absurd—elite behavior can sometimes be. They know the behavior is cringe, but the lifestyle remains compelling. That's the sweet spot for brands—luxury that doesn't require perfection, just proximity. Audiences today appreciate brands that recognize this irony, finding humor in excess while still offering access to an irresistible lifestyle. Visual Storytelling "The White Lotus" doesn't just show beautiful visuals—it carefully builds an emotional experience through every scene. Each setting, outfit, and small detail subtly tell us something deeper about the characters and their worlds. Harper's sleek, polished wardrobe reveals her controlled personality, while Tanya's wildly extravagant dresses and oversized hats hint at both her wealth and underlying insecurities. With Season 3's new backdrop in Thailand, featuring vibrant markets, serene temples, and glittering resorts, viewers are once again pulled into an immersive world that sparks curiosity and desire. Unlike traditional advertising, "The White Lotus" never pushes products into your face. Instead, it quietly allows them space within each moment: sandals resting casually beside a shimmering pool, sunglasses perched delicately at brunch, or an espresso cup nervously trembling during tense conversation. The camera pauses just enough to ignite curiosity and imagination. You start wondering—"Where are those shoes from?" "Where can I buy that exact cup?" This subtlety is exactly why the show's visual storytelling is so effective for brands. It doesn't interrupt the story; it enhances it, seamlessly inviting products to become a natural and emotional part of the viewer's journey. Aspirational (but Self-Aware) Aesthetics Yes, "The White Lotus" offers a fantasy filled with money, beauty, and luxurious escapes—but beneath its polished surface lies a refreshingly awkward truth. The characters, wrapped in their flowy resort dresses and designer sunglasses, are deeply flawed, often lonely, and painfully relatable. Tanya, stumbling emotionally through extravagant yacht outings, Harper anxiously navigating chic cocktail hours, or Portia frantically assembling outfits in a chaotic Gen-Z blur—each moment is luxurious, but never flawless. The glamour comes with quiet dysfunction, awkward silences, and midlife uncertainties. And that, ultimately, is why the aesthetic feels authentically modern. Brands thrive in this delicate space precisely because it isn't perfect. It's luxury with an honest, relatable edge. By acknowledging awkwardness and vulnerability alongside beauty and wealth, the show creates a uniquely inviting atmosphere for products—aspirational enough to inspire desire, yet real enough to feel approachable. Tanya's wild accessories don't belong on pristine showroom shelves; they belong scattered on hotel-room floors, tangled in genuine emotion. Daphne's carefully curated "unbothered" vibe is appealing precisely because viewers sense the hidden complexities beneath her flawless façade. This nuanced balance between aspiration and self-awareness offers brands something truly rare: the chance to position their products as human rather than simply luxurious. The show doesn't directly sell; it quietly draws us into its captivating, slightly imperfect world. And in a culture saturated with aggressive marketing, this subtlety—this comfortable tension between the desirable and the relatable—becomes the most compelling sell of all. Why These Collaborations Work Now, what's particularly interesting isn't that these brands are following "The White Lotus" trend—it's how they're translating it. They're not just riding the wave; they're interpreting the show's nuanced tone, holding up a mirror to its contradictions, and quietly saying, "We see it too." Because "The White Lotus" isn't really about luxury resorts. It's about what unravels once the Aperol wears off. At the core is a shared fluency in irony and aspiration. Brands like Bottega Veneta and Etro understand that luxury today isn't loud—it's layered. Their alignment with the show's self-aware tone allows them to offer goods that feel aspirational without trying too hard. They're not selling perfect lives. They're selling the performance of one—and consumers get the joke. That emotional intelligence also shows up in the styling. Harper's neutrals, Tanya's baroque drama, Portia's chaos-theory wardrobe—they all tell stories. Brands are borrowing those cues, building products that hint at a character's arc. It turns merchandise into narrative, and narrative into desire. This is why limited drops and immersive marketing seal the deal. It's not just about owning a product—it's about participating in an experience. Whether it's scenting your home like Casa Amalfi or sipping something bittersweet like Chinotto Neri, the aesthetic is cohesive. Nothing feels random. Every detail is intentional, designed to reflect a world where style is curated, not chaotic—even when the people inside it are. And that matters, because luxury is emotional. These purchases aren't driven by utility—they're about identity, about feeling seen, or at least styled, in a world that feels increasingly off-script. Bottom line: These brands understand that "The White Lotus" isn't selling paradise—it's exploring the fallout. That's what makes it relatable. And somehow, that makes it even more seductive. The Business of Aesthetic Association You can trace "The White Lotus" phenomenon clearly into something marketers quietly call the business of aesthetic association. It's not about slapping a logo onto a luxury handbag or hiring a celebrity influencer—it's far more subtle, nuanced, and rooted deep in human psychology. Brands know our brains aren't wired for logic alone; they're wired for connection. They understand we're not buying products—we're buying the feeling those products give us. Psychologically speaking, aesthetic association leverages our innate need for identity and belonging. In fact, neuroscience research shows that the human brain responds powerfully to imagery and narratives because we process stories emotionally rather than rationally. When a product aligns seamlessly with a narrative we already identify with, our brains experience something psychologists call "self-congruence"—a perfect alignment between who we are and who we want to be. This makes us more receptive to the products that speak this same visual and emotional language. Fashion, wellness, and decor brands are experts at packaging products as lifestyle narratives: Clothing isn't merely functional; it embodies an identity you adopt when you wear routines become rituals of self-care, delivering moments of peace and reassurance. Furniture and decor aren't simply items; they're expressions of personal style and taste—extensions of our psychological comfort zones. It's a simple yet devastatingly effective formula: first comes the vibe, that intangible but instantly recognizable mood. Then comes the story, crafted and narrated through products that embody that vibe. And from there, inevitably, comes the sale—because once people emotionally connect to a mood, they're far more likely to buy into the narrative. Ultimately, aesthetic association thrives because it delivers precisely what consumers deeply crave: belonging, meaning, and just enough aspiration to keep things interesting. And in our complicated relationship with luxury—a realm "The White Lotus" has brilliantly tapped into—this method isn't just smart. It's irresistible. Travel as a Supporting Storyline Perhaps the most fascinating part of all this isn't the dazzling resorts or messy drama—it's how these real-world locations become characters in their own right. "The White Lotus" does more than showcase beautiful settings; it creates powerful emotional connections, turning viewers into travelers eager to experience the show's distinctive vibe firsthand. This phenomenon, often called "set-jetting," occurs when people pick their next vacation spot because they've seen it featured in films or TV. It's a simple yet powerful idea—watching Tanya stroll awkwardly through a Maui resort or Harper navigate uncomfortable Sicilian dinners makes us crave those exact experiences ourselves. And the impact is measurable: after Season One aired, travel interest in Maui surged by 300%, while hotels in Sicily sold out quickly following Season Two. Thailand took notice early. Ahead of Season Three, the country embraced a forward-thinking tourism strategy—one driven by careful research, authentic local experiences, and a strong commitment to sustainability. Rather than just promising postcard-perfect beaches, they focused on the genuine culture and community experiences travelers increasingly seek out. It's a smart, strategic approach to attracting visitors who want meaningful trips, not just pretty photos. Even without official tie-ins, travel brands can use similar storytelling techniques to craft emotionally resonant experiences. They're discovering that making travel feel cinematic—full of emotion, authenticity, and depth—resonates deeply with modern travelers. At its core, this trend reflects a truth about travel today: We're not just looking for luxury—we're looking for stories we can live ourselves. What Other Brands Can Learn from 'The White Lotus' Playbook Now, it's not a stretch to say "The White Lotus" has become a masterclass in cultural relevance. Not because it sells a product—but because it tells a story that people can't stop watching, quoting, or, in some cases, booking flights around. That's the power of narrative-driven marketing—and it's a playbook that more brands are starting to study more closely. First, always start with a story, not just a product What "The White Lotus" brilliantly demonstrates is that any object—an outfit, a cocktail, even a chocolate bar—can become emotionally meaningful when embedded in a compelling narrative. From Tanya's extravagant chaos to Harper's controlled elegance and Portia's Gen Z maximalism, the show's characters aren't merely fictional beings—they're vivid mood boards. Smart brands tap directly into these identities, mirroring their audience's internal desires through style, tone, and aesthetic choices. It's less about chasing fleeting trends and more about authentically reflecting consumers' emotional worlds. Use scarcity and aesthetics thoughtfully Limited editions, bold visuals, and cohesive design aren't just about looking good—they create anticipation and drive urgency/action. Exclusivity works not because it tricks people, but because it signals value. Human psychology is simple: We're wired to desire what feels rare, especially when it's tied to something meaningful or culturally relevant. It's not manipulation—it's resonance. Finally, brands must actively join the conversation—not just appear in the background As one observer aptly noted, "Luxury brands are tapping into "The White Lotus" aesthetic to share in this pop culture moment—giving consumers a tangible way to connect with the otherwise unattainable lifestyle the show so artfully depicts." Savvy marketers don't merely show up; they foster communities where fans can debate, dissect, and engage deeply with the narrative. Ultimately, the most successful brands aren't simply riding a cultural wave—they're thoughtfully participating in stories people are already passionately invested in. Closing Reflection: Satire Meets Sales Who would've guessed that a sharply satirical show about rich people's messy vacations would turn into a cultural and commercial phenomenon? Yet, here we are. What "The White Lotus" captures so well isn't just wealth—it's human nature. We see ourselves in these characters: the chaos, the contradictions, the insecurities hiding behind designer sunglasses. It's messy, familiar, and oddly comforting. The show holds up a mirror and confirms what many quietly feel—that it's okay to crave beauty, comfort, and yes, even a little extravagance, without apology. And while most of us won't be jetting off to a private villa in Thailand, there's something satisfying about bringing a piece of that world home—through the clothes, the scent, the chocolate, the story. For brands that get it, this is where satire meets sales. They're not just chasing trends—they're embracing the irony, the aspiration, and the emotional honesty that makes "The White Lotus" hit so hard. They're selling the fantasy while winking at the truth behind it. Because ultimately, the most powerful marketing doesn't feel like marketing at all. It feels like recognition. And "The White Lotus" doesn't just recognize its audience—it implicates us, entertains us, and keeps us wanting more. This story was produced by Compartés and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. © Stacker Media, LLC.
Al Arabiya
04-04-2025
- Business
- Al Arabiya
Pacific nations perplexed, worried by Trump tariffs
Pacific island nations hit hardest by US President Donald Trump's trade tariffs are querying the 'unfair' impost, and they are fearful of the impact. The United States has punished Fiji, Vanuatu, and tiny Nauru for running trade surpluses with the economic superpower, slapping them with duties far above its new 10 percent baseline. Besides squeezing their finances, analysts say the US levies are making Pacific countries wary of their historic ally, which has already cut humanitarian aid programs. 'It's just another reason to have less trust in the US, stacked on top of the US aid freeze,' said Blake Johnson, senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute think tank. It also creates opportunities for China to expand its ties from aid to trade, he said, as Beijing vies with the United States and its allies for influence in the geographically strategic region. Among the Pacific countries' biggest sellers in the United States are the traditional narcotic kava drink and spring water under the brand Fiji Water—owned by Los Angeles-based The Wonderful Company. The 22 percent tariffs on Vanuatu are expected to impact exports and hurt kava farmers, a spokesperson for the prime minister said. Vanuatu was hit by the tariffs after running a $6.6 million surplus in its trade of goods with the US last year, according to UN data. Jonathan Naupa, owner of Vanuatu kava exporter Mount Kava, said demand for kava was high and he had no plans to cut prices for the US market. 'We are going to keep our prices right where they are — the American public can just suck them up,' he told AFP, adding that there was a growing global market for kava exports. He welcomed Trump's move. 'I actually think it's a good thing that he's done this because it will make the Americans realize that they need to treat our cultural product with a bit more respect,' he said. 'With the shortage of kava in Vanuatu, I don't see prices going down, and I hope my fellow exporters also try to follow suit and not drop their prices.' Nauru's main exports include the remnants of its once-vast phosphate deposits and the sale of fishing rights, but it was not clear what made up its 2024 goods trade surplus with the United States of $1.4 million — about the price of a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan. It faces a 30 percent US trade tariff. Fiji runs a larger surplus in the trade of goods with the US of about $252 million, helped by exports of Fiji Water, kava, and fish, and it now faces a 32 percent tariff across the board. The beach-fringed tourist magnet says it applies zero or five percent duty on 96 percent of US imports. Trump's levy 'is quite disproportionate and unfair,' Finance Minister Biman Prasad said in a statement. 'We are still trying to get more details on the exact rationale and application of the newly announced retaliatory tariff by the US and will work with our key stakeholders and US counterparts to get this,' he said. Roland Rajah, director of the Indo-Pacific Development Centre at the Lowy Institute think tank, said the tariffs were based on the scale of US trade deficits with each country. But it makes economic sense to have a trade deficit with some countries and a surplus with others, he said. 'It's not necessarily driven by particular policy distortions,' Rajah added, making it hard for countries to find a basis for trade talks with the United States. 'The other factor for the Pacific is that being small countries and quite small trading partners in the world, it might be very difficult for them to get a hearing with the Trump administration, who will have bigger fish to fry at the current moment.' Papua New Guinea, the most populous Pacific island country, said it had no plans to retaliate against the US decision to impose a 10 percent tariff. 'We will continue to strengthen our trade relations in Asia and the Pacific, where our produce is welcomed,' Prime Minister James Marape said in a statement. 'If the US market becomes more difficult due to this tariff, we will simply redirect our goods to markets where there is mutual respect and no artificial barriers.'
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pacific nations perplexed, worried by Trump tariffs
Pacific island nations hit hardest by US President Donald Trump's trade tariffs are querying the "unfair" impost, and they are fearful of the impact. The United States has punished Fiji, Vanuatu and tiny Nauru for running trade surpluses with the economic superpower, slapping them with duties far above its new 10-percent baseline. Besides squeezing their finances, analysts say the US levies are making Pacific countries wary of their historic ally, which has already cut humanitarian aid programmes. "It's just another reason to have less trust in the US, stacked on top of the US aid freeze," said Blake Johnson, senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute think tank. It also creates opportunities for China to expand its ties from aid to trade, he said, as Beijing vies with the United States and its allies for influence in the geographically strategic region. Among the Pacific countries' biggest sellers in the United States are the traditional narcotic kava drink, and spring water under the brand Fiji Water -- owned by Los Angeles-based The Wonderful Company. The 22-percent tariffs on Vanuatu are expected to impact exports and hurt kava farmers, a spokesperson for the prime minister said. -'Just suck them up' - Vanuatu was hit by the tariffs after running a US$6.6 million surplus in its trade of goods with the United States last year, according to UN data. Jonathan Naupa, owner of Vanuatu kava exporter Mount Kava, said demand for kava was high and he had no plans to cut prices for the US market. "We are going to keep our prices right where they are -- the American public can just suck them up," he told AFP, adding that there was a growing global market for kava exports. He welcomed Trump's move. "I actually think it's a good thing that he's done this because it will make the Americans realise that they need to treat our cultural product with a bit more respect," he said. "With the shortage of kava in Vanuatu, I don't see prices going down, and I hope my fellow exporters also try to follow suit and not drop their prices." Nauru's main exports include the remnants of its once-vast phosphate deposits and the sale of fishing rights, but it was not clear what made up its 2024 goods trade surplus with the United States of $1.4 million -- about the price of a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan. It faces a 30-percent US trade tariff. Fiji runs a larger surplus in the trade of goods with the United States of about $252 million helped by exports of Fiji Water, kava and fish, and it now faces a 32-percent tariff across the board. - 'Unfair' - The beach-fringed tourist magnet says it applies zero or five-percent duty on 96 percent of US imports. Trump's levy "is quite disproportionate and unfair", Finance Minister Biman Prasad said in a statement. "We are still trying to get more details on the exact rationale and application of the newly announced retaliatory tariff by the US and will work with our key stakeholders and US counterparts to get this," he said. Roland Rajah, director of the Indo-Pacific Development Centre at the Lowy Institute think tank, said the tariffs were based on the scale of US trade deficits with each country. But it makes economic sense to have a trade deficit with some countries and a surplus with others, he said. "It's not necessarily driven by particular policy distortions," Rajah added, making it hard for countries to find a basis for trade talks with the United States. "The other factor for the Pacific is that being small countries and quite small trading partners in the world it might be very difficult for them to get a hearing with the Trump administration, who will have bigger fish to fry at the current moment." Papua New Guinea, the most populous Pacific island country, said it had no plans to retaliate against the US decision to impose a 10-percent tariff. "We will continue to strengthen our trade relations in Asia and the Pacific, where our produce is welcomed," Prime Minister James Marape said in a statement. "If the US market becomes more difficult due to this tariff, we will simply redirect our goods to markets where there is mutual respect and no artificial barriers." djw/al/dhw
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fiji among big Pacific losers under Trump tariffs
Fiji - and American lovers of high-end bottled water Fiji Water - stand as the big losers of US President Donald Trump's aggressive tariff play in the Pacific. In the blue continent, some of the world's poorest economies are reeling after discovering they too will be subject to tariffs from the White House. The US President unveiled global tariffs on imported goods on Thursday (AEDT), which he labelled "Liberation Day" for the American economy. — The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 2, 2025 Fiji has been levied at 32 per cent, Vanuatu at 23 per cent and Nauru at 30 per cent. That will mean the favourite bottled water of many Americans - Fiji Water - should get a lot more expensive. The US is Fiji's biggest goods export market, dominated by the country's eponymous branded water: roughly $A400 million worth of the bottled spring water headed across the Pacific in 2023. Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said the move was akin to a "trade blockade" that Fiji could not win. "We cannot fight a war, a trade war particularly. We don't have anything to counter with. So we will have to weather the storm and roll the punches," he said, as reported by FBC. Other Pacific nations - including Papua New Guinea, French Polynesia, Samoa, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Cook Islands, Kiribati and the Federated States of Micronesia - have been given a 10 per cent tariff. For some countries, this will hurt more than others. For instance, Tonga counts the US as its second-biggest export market, for Samoa, it is third, and Vanuatu, it is fifth. However, Solomon Islands exports goods worth just $A1.75 million to the US in 2024, making it the 17th biggest export market and of little significance. Vanuatu is not as exposed to the US economy as Fiji, but is another nation to be hit with a higher tariff rate, making its products less competitive. Westpac analyst Justin Smirk said it was important to remember that the region's biggest export was not affected by the dramatic policy. "Fiji's biggest export market is actually tourism. It's the most important revenue earner and these tariffs do not touch tourism," he told AAP. We went to Washington DC to get the best possible result for New Zealand in the circumstances, by making strong, genuine, in-person connections with the US Administration. The purpose of our mission has been achieved. Indeed, New Zealand companies, who were fearing much worse,… — Winston Peters (@NewZealandMFA) April 2, 2025 In New Zealand, Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the Kiwi rate of 10 per cent should be seen as a success from a recent diplomatic mission. "We went to Washington DC to get the best possible result for New Zealand in the circumstances, by making strong, genuine, in-person connections with the US administration," he wrote on social media. "The purpose of our mission has been achieved. Indeed, New Zealand companies, who were fearing much worse, are well positioned compared to exporters from other countries." Prime Minister Chris Luxon said he was less concerned about the impact to Kiwi exporters than where the move may lead. "Our exporters are deeply deeply competitive. The products and services we sell are in huge demand around the world," he said. "The bigger worry will be the global impact and the wash-up of the tit-for-tat trade wars that may ensue."
