Latest news with #MinistryofForeignAffairsandTrade
Otago Daily Times
a day ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Tariff ‘jungle' growing back: expert
A trade expert warns the tariff "jungle" is growing back as nations grapple with United States President Donald Trump's fast approaching tariff deadline. Many US trade partners face hefty tariff increases in the fallout, including close allies such as Japan and Korea. Mr Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs have New Zealand exporters watching how it will play out for them, their trading partners and the wider marketplace on the August 1 deadline. Another concern is his trade policy might encourage more nations to step up protectionism. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's trade and economic deputy secretary Vangelis Vitalis told meat professionals at the Red Meat Sector Conference in Christchurch the uncertainty was a real challenge for exporters looking to trade with the US. He said nobody really knew what was happening in day-to-day international policy. Research showed trade uncertainty was worth the equivalent of at least a 10% to 12% tariff, he said, "The jungle is definitely growing back. We do face a really challenging and turbulent external environment and it's not just the US, although that's a major factor at the moment for uncertainty. "The challenges are real. All of the big players are thinking whether these [free trade agreement] rules work for them any more and we place a premium on these rules." A baseline tariff applies to almost every nation, including New Zealand, of 10%, with auto parts at a 25% tariff and aluminium 50%. The 10% tariff is on top of existing tariffs such as about 16% or 18% New Zealand exporters already face sending frozen vegetables to the US. "Over the last two to three weeks the president has been announcing additional tariffs. He's extended the pause to August 1 and so we know a whole series of tariffs may be imposed at that time, although we also know the president does tend to extend those delays as well so, again, lots of uncertainty." He said the known certainties were the US was striking some deals, including with Vietnam eliminating all of its tariffs in exchange for a 20% tariff. Some countries not concluding deals had the threat of additional tariffs being placed on them, including 25% on Japan and Korea, while and Brazil was being hit with a 50% tariff on the deadline. Mr Vitalis said the concern for all nations facing a 10% tariff was this might increase to 15%-20%. That would really concern New Zealand wine, red meat and other exporters, he said. A lot of official engagement was being carried out in Washington to talk to counterparts and listen closely to build a picture of Mr Trump's trade direction. "Again we don't actually know what he's going to do, but he's certainly suggesting there are going to be further increases out there." Mr Vitalis said ministerial leaders and officials were taking a structured, calm and thorough approach to the coming challenges. New Zealand wanted to protect its interest in the US as it was our second-most important export destination and the tension between it and China was being followed closely, he said. The option he favoured for the global trade turbulence was to negotiate new free trade agreements and expand existing agreements as explaining the logic of global economic damage from tariffs was not working. Another focus of New Zealand's strategy was pushing back against non-tariff barriers, worth an estimated $22.6b in the Asia-Pacific region alone, and protectionism, he said. Dairy giant Fonterra was modelling trade implications from tariff hikes and the dynamics between the US and China. Fonterra trade strategy manager Justine Aroll said the uncertain trading marketplace was the new normal for the co-op exporting to 100 markets globally. One of the silver linings was agricultural exporters were familiar with a protectionist and challenging trade environment and had built up resilience in their businesses, she said. "Like other New Zealand exporters, our product is facing the additional 10% tariff into the US and for us we are finding our way through that." A concern was the disruption to the global dairy market, the reaction of other countries and the implication of US deals with other countries, she said. Special agricultural trade envoy Hamish Marr said uncertainty was the new certainty. "We have been living in a world of globalisation for many years and now it seemed we are not in globalisation — we are in regionalisation." Countries were more focused on food security and New Zealand's strong reputation would mean it was well positioned to navigate through the uncertain times, he said. New Zealand International Business Forum executive director Felicity Roxburgh said governments around the world were shifting from economics to security for supply chains and critical materials, including red meat.
Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Warning US tariff ‘jungle' regrowing
Special agricultural trade envoy Hamish Marr explains the impact of United States President Donald Trump's tariffs on New Zealand exporters. PHOTO: TIM CRONSHAW A trade expert warns the tariff "jungle" is growing back as nations grapple with United States President Donald Trump's fast approaching tariff deadline. Many US trade partners face hefty tariff increases in the fallout, including close allies such as Japan and Korea. Mr Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs have New Zealand exporters watching how it will play out for them, their trading partners and the wider marketplace on the August 1 deadline. Another concern is that Mr Trump's trade policy might encourage more nations to step up protectionism. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's trade and economic deputy secretary Vangelis Vitalis told meat professionals at the Red Meat Sector Conference in Christchurch last week the uncertainty was a real challenge for exporters looking to trade with the US. He said nobody really knew what was happening in day-to-day international policy. Research showed trade uncertainty was worth the equivalent of at least a 10% to 12% tariff, he said, "The jungle is definitely growing back. We do face a really challenging and turbulent external environment and it's not just the US, although that's a major factor at the moment for uncertainty," Mr Vitalis said. ''The challenges are real, all of the big players are thinking whether these [free trade agreement] rules work for them any more and we place a premium on these rules." A baseline tariff applies to almost every nation, including New Zealand, of 10%, with auto parts at a 25% tariff and aluminium 50%. The 10% tariff is on top of existing tariffs — such as the about 16%-18% New Zealand exporters already face sending frozen vegetables to the US. "Over the last two to three weeks the president has been announcing additional tariffs, he's extended the pause to August 1 and so we know a whole series of tariffs may be imposed at that time, although we also know the president does tend to extend those delays as well so, again, lots of uncertainty." He said the known certainties were the US was striking some deals — including with Vietnam, eliminating all of its tariffs in exchange for a 20% tariff. Some countries not concluding deals had the threat of additional tariffs being placed on them, including 25% on Japan and Korea, while and Brazil was being hit with a 50% tariff on the deadline. Mr Vitalis said the concern for all nations facing a 10% tariff was this might increase to 15%-20%. That would really concern NZ wine, red meat and other exporters, he said. He said a lot of official engagement was being carried out in Washington to talk to counterparts and listen closely to build a picture of Mr Trump's trade direction. "Again we don't actually know what he's going to do, but he's certainly suggesting there are going to be further increases out there." Mr Vitalis said ministerial leaders and officials were taking a structured, calm and thorough approach to the coming challenges. New Zealand wanted to protect its interest in the US as it was our second most important export destination, and the tension between it and China was being followed closely, he said The option he favoured for the global trade turbulence was to negotiate new free trade agreements and expand existing agreements, as explaining the logic of global economic damage from tariffs was not working. Another focus of New Zealand's strategy was pushing back against non-tariff barriers, worth an estimated $22.6b in the Asia/Pacific region alone, and protectionism, he said. Dairy giant Fonterra was modelling trade implications from tariff hikes and the dynamics between the US and China. Fonterra trade strategy manager Justine Aroll said the uncertain trading marketplace was the new normal for the co-op, which exports to 100 markets globally. One of the silver linings was agricultural exporters were familiar with a protectionist and challenging trade environment and had built up resilience in their businesses, she said. "Like other New Zealand exporters our product is facing the additional 10% tariff into the US and for us we are finding our way through that." A concern was the disruption to the global dairy market, the reaction of other countries and the implication of US deals with other countries, she said. Special agricultural trade envoy Hamish Marr said uncertainty was the new certainty. "We have been living in a world of globalisation for many years and now it seems we are not in globalisation — we are in regionalisation." Countries were more focused on food security and New Zealand's strong reputation would mean it was well positioned to navigate through the uncertain times, he said. NZ International Business Forum executive director Felicity Roxburgh said governments around the world were shifting from economics to security for supply chains and critical materials, including red meat.
The Spinoff
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Spinoff
Winston Peters intervened to stop diplomat accounts posting about Pride Month
Exclusive: After years of posting generic sentiments during Pride Month, New Zealand's diplomatic posts were silent this year following a directive from the foreign affairs minister. Minister of foreign affairs Winston Peters personally intervened to stop New Zealand's diplomatic posts around the world from posting about Pride Month on social media, documents show. New Zealand's embassies and high commissions around the world have regularly posted about Pride Month in the past, sharing New Zealand milestones such as being the first country to grant women the vote and to have openly transgender MPs, as well as celebrating legislative freedoms like marriage equality. The posts on Facebook and other social media often included photos or footage of key diplomatic staff marching in Pride parades. But when a batch of similar social media drafts were circulated with the minister's office for 'awareness' earlier this year, Peters' office intervened – leading to a new directive being issued to all posts (embassies and high commissions) about social media use, including a warning regarding posting about Pride Month from official Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Mfat) accounts. Documents released to The Spinoff under the Official Information Act show the draft social media posts themselves were fairly anodyne and similar to the material posted in the years prior. One draft post, featuring a photo of a Pride gathering, read: 'It's #PrideMonth and we are sharing our history. Pride festivals and fairs began in New Zealand in the 1970s and 1980s. Many of these festivals were a response to the global late-stage HIV pandemic and enabled the community to come together.' The posts were included in a document pack prepared by Mfat's central communications division, which noted that New Zealand's support for rainbow community rights was one of 'seven thematic human rights focus areas'. 'New Zealand's support for rainbow communities is grounded in the core human rights principles of equality, dignity, and non-discrimination,' the document read. 'Demonstrating that support through the Ministry's social media accounts is a strand of New Zealand's 'soft diplomacy'. In some countries, especially minimally restrictive countries where the host country has made some positive steps, demonstrating our visible commitment to the human rights of rainbow communities can build connection and understanding with community groups or government stakeholders, potentially opening the door to further discussion on these issues.' The minister's office did not respond for several weeks, but after a prompting on WhatsApp, senior advisor Michael Appleton wrote back on May 27, explaining the minister's discomfort. His exact guidance was redacted but the directive is clear from surrounding statements – a halt to the proposed posts. '…in line with earlier guidance issued by DCE-P, he [Peters] made the point that he views Mfat's social media channels as being primarily for use to communicate New Zealand's positions on foreign and trade policy issues and to document our engagement with other countries,' Appleton wrote. 'I accept this is not a binary, black and white, either/or choice – but I am seeking to locate [the minister of foreign affairs] MFA's preference on Pride Month content in the wider context of his views on the proper / appropriate scope of the Ministry's social media content.' The email continued: 'I hasten to add that the guidance above should not be read as having wider implications for our human rights diplomacy […] or for what activities / events our Post network choose to undertake/attend (which will be context-specific and driven by Post judgments, overseen by regional divisions, about how to promote New Zealand interests).' This email resulted in a directive to all posts on 'UPDATING MINISTRY SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDELINES' – sent three days later on May 30, just before Pride Month began. The summary notes that MFAT is updating its social media guidelines and that this update will be 'informed closely by MFA's [Peters] direction that social media platforms should be focused on the communication and advancement of New Zealand's foreign and trade policy positions.' It is noted that 'this will impact the Ministry's social media engagement, most immediately, in relation to Pride Month.' The exact way this applies to Pride Month is detailed in two redacted paragraphs, which were redacted under section 9(2)(g)(i) of the Act, meaning 'to maintain the effective conduct of public affairs through the free and frank expression of opinions'. The redacted paragraphs are followed by a statement that 'this should not be read as having wider implications for our human rights diplomacy more broadly'. No posts concerning Pride Month in 2025 appeared on any of the dozen Mfat social media channels reviewed by The Spinoff. One post about global trade tensions did feature a rainbow umbrella. The Spinoff asked Peters to detail his exact direction to posts and why he intervened. 'The minister believes New Zealand's diplomatic network should be focused on advancing New Zealand's interests,' a spokesperson responded. 'The minister naturally has views about how New Zealand should conduct its diplomacy. One of those views is that social media content published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and its post network should primarily be focused on communicating New Zealand's positions on foreign and trade policy issues, in line with our policy priorities agreed by cabinet, and on documenting our engagement with other countries.' Peters' own legislative record stands in direct contrast to many of the milestones championed by past social media posts – he voted against legalising gay sex between men in 1986, and against same-sex marriage in 2013. The Spinoff asked if this history had any part to play in the decision, but did not receive a direct response. His office was also asked what its message would be to any queer diplomats who were angered by the decision. The spokesperson said Peters' record of support for diplomats spoke for itself. 'The minister has the utmost respect for New Zealand's diplomats and the important work they do on behalf of all New Zealanders. This has been consistently demonstrated over three terms as foreign minister in Mr Peters' public remarks and his approach to foreign affairs resourcing.'
Budapest Times
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Budapest Times
Ukraine's ambassador to Hungary summoned to Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade again
Ukraine's ambassador to Hungary has been summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade again, this time over the issue of the church in Palagy Komarivci (Palágykomoróc). Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said on Thursday that Hungary was sending aid for the reconstruction of the church even today. Minister Szijjártó told a press conference after a meeting of the Hungarian-Uzbek mixed committee that the church of the village had been set on fire and anti-Hungarian slogans had been sprayed on its walls. 'Such attacks against a national community in a country supposedly aspiring for European Union membership are outrageous, astounding and disappointing,' Minister Szijjártó said. He insisted that anti-Hungarian attacks had started a decade ago 'in the form of laws systemically curbing the community's rights to the use of their mother tongue.' 'The Ukrainian state is responsible for that. We have been asking them to stop for ten years… We have indicated at all possible forums that Hungarians in Transcarpathia are suffering grave attacks. It started with laws and went on to forced conscription, assault and arson on churches,' he said. Minister Szijjártó also condemned European political leaders who 'turned away and refused to acknowledge that the Hungarian community is suffering harsh attacks combined with physical intimidation in Ukraine, a country which they are trying to fast-track into the EU.' He said he had given instructions to have the funding for the church's reconstruction transferred to the diocese on Thursday.
Budapest Times
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Budapest Times
FM: It was ‘an honor' for foreign ministry to coordinate second Hungarian research space mission
Tibor Kapu's return to Earth on Tuesday marked the end of the stage of the mission that the Hungarian research astronaut spent on the International Space Station. Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said on Tuesday that it was 'an honor' for the foreign ministry to coordinate the completion of the second Hungarian research space mission after 45 years. Tibor Kapu's return to Earth on Tuesday marked the end of the stage of the mission that the Hungarian research astronaut spent on the International Space Station, Minister Szijjártó said during a break in a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, according to a ministry statement. 'We are proud that Hungary is among the countries that have been able to become a frontrunner in global technology, space exploration and the space industry by placing a research astronaut mission at the top of their space exploration and space industry programme,' Minister Szijjártó said. 'This Hungarian research astronaut mission gave us the opportunity to carry out several scientific experiments that could only be conducted on the ISS, and which will ensure more serious growth and breakthrough opportunities for the Hungarian economy,' the minister said. Minister Szijjártó said it was 'an honour' for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to be chosen by the government seven years ago to carry out the space mission. 'It was an honour for us to be able to successfully complete this complex, often doubtful task,' Minister Szijjártó said. 'It was an honour to work with all the candidates who felt the courage and willingness to carry out this important mission as the second Hungarian research astronaut.' 'We thank Tibor Kapu for completing the preparation and taking on this mission, representing 15 million Hungarians,' the minister said. 'It was an honour for all of us at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to coordinate the second Hungarian space mission.' 'I hope the entire Hungarian nation is proud that from this day, Hungary can say that it has completed two successful space missions within half a century,' he added.
