Todd McClay, New Zealand's Minister for Trade, said the United States' decision to impose a new round of import tariffs on New Zealand at a rate of 12.5 percent is deeply disappointing. This follows President Donald Trump's administration announcing new customs duties on goods imported from 60 countries worldwide, citing an investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, claiming these countries have failed to combat forced labor. Key exports like beef and kiwifruit appear to be exempt, but dairy products and wine are not. McClay stated there is no credible evidence that imports produced with forced labor play a significant role in New Zealand's economy, and he does not accept the US investigation's findings, viewing the process as lacking rigor and credibility. He called on like-minded countries to work together to strengthen trade and investment and reduce trade barriers.