New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English says bilateral trade talks between New Zealand and the U.S. are not likely anytime soon. His comments follow meetings between U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay last week. English says that given how the U.S. has framed trade policy as largely benefiting the U.S., that it “would be quite difficult to get an agreement that would benefit” New Zealand. However, during the meetings last week, McClay did express a mutual concern over Canada’s dairy trade provisions, a sticking point for the United States heading into North American Free Trade Agreement negotiations this fall. However, it’s not likely to be addressed in a new NAFTA, according to trade experts. Last year New Zealand exports to the U.S. were valued at $5.6 billion, and imports from the U.S. were valued at $5.7 billion. The U.S. is the biggest market for beef and wine from New Zealand, and the nation’s second-largest dairy market.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting News Service.