NZ rejects US claims of 'forced labour', as tariffs hiked
The new tariff regime, which sees New Zealand hit with a 12.5 percent tariff rate, replaces that.Despite being prepared, Trade Minister Todd McClay told RNZ it was still unwelcome."It's another day and another tariff story from the US. There are some countries that have legislation that they've said is not good enough and have told them how to change it. It is for the New Zealand Government and New Zealand Parliament to make decisions as to the laws we have in place."But I strongly reject that there is any support at all in the New Zealand system for forced labour.
- ▪The new tariff regime, which sees New Zealand hit with a 12.5 percent tariff rate, replaces that.Despite being prepared, Trade Minister Todd McClay told RNZ it was still unwelcome."It's another day and another tariff story from the US.
- ▪There are some countries that have legislation that they've said is not good enough and have told them how to change it.
- ▪It is for the New Zealand Government and New Zealand Parliament to make decisions as to the laws we have in place."But I strongly reject that there is any support at all in the New Zealand system for forced labour.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
NewsPolitics24 July 2026, 12:58pmNZ rejects US claims of 'forced labour', as tariffs hikedGiles DexterCaption:Todd McClay.Photo credit:NZMEThe trade minister says New Zealand strongly rejects the 'forced labour' justification the United States has used for its latest round of tariffs.The US is set to impose new tariffs ranging from 10 percent to 12.5 percent on 60 economies, including New Zealand.It follows the US Supreme Court's ruling in February the 'Liberation Day' tariffs were illegal.President Donald Trump moved to reimpose a temporary 10 percent tariff, but that was set to expire on Friday.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at RNZ.