Latest news with #Vitalis
Otago Daily Times
18 hours 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.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Monthly Update May - Surpassing 1,000 Units and Growing Strategic Partnerships
STOCKHOLM, SE / / June 5, 2025 / iZafe Group (STO:IZAFE-B) - May has been an eventful month where we took yet another important step forward. The number of active billable Dosell units increased by an additional 14% from April - a growth now built on an ever-larger base volume. At the same time, we passed a major symbolic milestone: more than 1,000 active units in operation, showing that we've made it through the most challenging phase - building a stable, scalable, and in-demand solution. Growth is driven both by more municipalities and partners starting to use Dosell - and by existing customers prescribing more units per client. We are seeing broad and growing traction, even though we're still coming from relatively modest volumes. That makes the strength of our growth rate all the more encouraging. We are now entering the summer months, which traditionally means a somewhat slower pace due to holidays. But we look forward to ramping up again in the fall - firmly anchored in our long-term strategy. Sweden: Growth in VGR and Increasing Demand Ahead of AutumnIn May, two more municipalities in the Västra Götaland region (VGR) began using Dosell, bringing our presence in the region to 14 municipalities. Several of these have started increasing their internal volumes and are receiving very positive feedback from both staff and users. Two new municipalities have approved pilot projects with Dosell set to start right after summer. We've also held numerous presentations for municipalities now considering launching their own pilots - a clear sign of the strong momentum we're experiencing in the Swedish public care sector. At Vitalis, the Nordic region's leading event for health and social care, we gained strategic traction - both through our presence and by presenting collaborations with Tamro, JDM Innovation, and Phoenix Group. The reaction from visitors was overwhelmingly positive, summarized best by the comment: "Finally, two solutions in one system!" Especially appreciated was our joint stage appearance with ATEA and Ulricehamn Municipality, where Ulricehamn shared their successful implementation and how their "slow and steady" approach has led to stable, positive development. Many home care teams in the municipality are now reaching out, eager to start using Dosell themselves. We also participated in Senior Day in Kungsträdgården, where we received great interest in our consumer solution. At the same time, our partner Zafe exhibited at the Dementia Days event, where Dosell attracted significant attention for its value in early intervention for cognitive impairment. The new Social Services Act emphasizes this very need - and many now see Dosell as a key part of the solution. Spain: Pharmacy Network and Interest from Private Care ProvidersIn Spain, our partner Ti Medi continues rolling out Dosell through the national pharmacy network, which includes over 1,500 pharmacies. Following strong media attention in April, private care providers have also started to show interest in Dosell. Our B2B solution is now being actively presented to these providers, who see the opportunity to complement their existing care structures with a digital solution that enhances independence and safety in medication management. The Netherlands: Continued Growth and Trade Fair MomentumIn the Netherlands, growth continues at a rapid pace. Our customer TCCN is highly engaged and has established an efficient approach for broad outreach - already leading to concrete meetings with new stakeholders. At the same time, their existing customers are increasing their volumes month over month. Dosell TV has generated strong interest, and our presence at the April trade fair served as a clear catalyst for new contacts. Several of these are now in the quotation or implementation phase. The combination of proactive sales, a strong network, and a value-driven offering that meets real needs gives us excellent conditions for continued expansion together with TCCN. Strategic Partnership - LOI with JDM InnovationIn May, we signed a Letter of Intent with JDM Innovation, aiming to establish a strategic partnership in Europe. JDM is a well-established player in logistics, automation, and medical technology, working with both international pharmaceutical companies and pharmacy chains. The partnership creates opportunities to integrate our technologies and opens doors to new markets in Europe. Discussions around joint pilots are already underway, and we see great potential in driving efficiency and safe medication management together in new markets. Celebrate the 1,000-Unit Milestone with Us - Investor Evening June 12To mark our achievement of surpassing 1,000 active units, we're inviting you to an investor evening in Stockholm - on Thursday, June 12. We sincerely hope as many shareholders as possible will take this opportunity to come, meet our team in person, ask questions, and get deeper insight into our journey and future vision. It's a great chance to connect - and to experience Dosell live. Welcome - we look forward to seeing you! Register here: Thank You for Your Trust - Together We Are Shaping the Future of Medication ManagementiZafe Group is in a phase of strong commercial momentum. May's results confirm both the direction and pace of our progress. We're strengthening our partnerships, expanding our network, and building on a model that has now proven both scalable and effective. Thank you for following our journey - and we warmly welcome you to the investor evening on Thursday, June 12. Contacts Anders Segerström, Chief Executive Officer E-mail: number: +46 70-875 14 12 iZafe Group AB (publ.) David Bagares gata 3111 38 Stockholm E-mail: ir@ About iZafe Group AB (publ.) iZafe Group is a Life Science company that conducts research, development and marketing of digital medical solutions and services for safer medication management at home. The company leads the development of digital drug dispensing through the drug robot Dosell as well as the SaaS solution Pilloxa with the smart pillbox. The company's solutions reduce the risk of incorrect medication in the home, increase compliance, relieve public health care, increase the quality of life for patients and create a safer environment for relatives. The customers consist of private individuals, pharmaceutical companies and public and private healthcare providers in Sweden, the Nordics and globally. iZafe Group primarily sells through well-established partners who already have long and deep customer relationships with the prioritized customer groups. The head office is in Stockholm. iZafe Group AB has been listed on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market since 2018. The company's Certified Adviser is DNB Carnegie Investment Bank AB. Further information is available at Image Attachments Business Partners 6 Attachments Monthly Update May - Surpassing 1,000 Units and Growing Strategic Partnerships SOURCE: iZafe Group View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
