Employer Bulletin | 24 November
Minister for Trade and Investment; and Agriculture, Todd McClay, has cautiously welcomed the United States announcement this week removing the additional reciprocal tariffs on a range of New Zealand agricultural products, including beef, offal, and kiwifruit.
These products represent around 25% of our exports to the United States, worth approximately NZ$2.21 billion annually.
“The US remains an important trade partner for New Zealand and the decision to lift these tariffs is a step in the right direction and will be welcomed by exporters who have faced months of uncertainty and higher costs,” Mr McClay says.
The additional tariffs were first introduced in April at 10% and increased to 15% in August based on New Zealand running a modest trade surplus with the US.
“Returning to the pre-reciprocal tariff access we had before April provides some much-needed stability for our farmers and processors. We estimate this is a saving of around $330 million in additional tariff duty.
In today’s Bulletin:
- Employer fails to appropriately address sexual harassment allegation
- Greater clarity found necessary to show offer of employment was accepted
- Salary in joint account becomes contestable in relationship breakdown
- Soured employee gets no sweetened deal from the Authority
- Ignorance of employment obligations is no excuse for acting without substantive justification
- Seven news updates of interest for employers including: Uber decision: Old structures versus new thinking; New initiative launched at first Future of Investment and Trade Partnership meeting; Australian visitor arrivals increase; Changes to the Fair Trading Act; New Zealand joins international partners to fight visa fraud; Infrastructure Pipeline shows significant increase, and Trade Minister cautiously welcomes US tariff relief on key exports
- Eight bills open for submission
If you have any questions, about this case or other employment relation matters, call the Advice Line team on 0800 800 362.
