Weekly Global Report:
International
Potential new US tariffs: new derivative products proposed for US Section 232 steel, aluminium, and copper tariffs
The US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security has issued a request for public comments on a proposal to extend the US’s existing Section 232 tariffs to a further set of 14 steel, aluminium, and copper derivative articles. The list includes parts of welding machines and apparatus, parts of certain hydraulic engines and motors and certain types of trailers. The average value of US imports from New Zealand of these products for the 3 years ending June 2026 was less than NZ$ 200,000. The notice, published in the US Federal Register(external link) on 6 August, provides interested parties 21 days (i.e. by 27 August 2026) to comment on the proposed list.
APEC's new Best Practice Guidelines on Non-Tariff Measures
New Zealand led the development of APEC's new Best Practice Guidelines on Non-Tariff Measures(external link), which provide policymakers with a practical framework to design regulations that meet policy objectives while reducing unintended trade barriers. The initiative supports greater transparency, predictability, and alignment across APEC economies, helping strengthen regional trade integration.
Upcoming Events and Webinars
Middle East Export Success
New Zealand Government support for your export journey
Tuesday 18 August 2026, 4–5 pm
Exporting isn’t for the faint of heart – navigating rules of origin, different tariff rates, standards, non-tariff barriers and free trade agreements, it can be hard to know where to get the help you need. The New Zealand Middle East Business Council (NZMEBC) is hosting a quick-fire panel of the key New Zealand Government agencies and departments that work to support your export journey. Join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, New Zealand Customs, the Ministry of Primary Industries, Te Puni Kōkiri, New Zealand Story, the Export Credit Office and Capital Solutions as they share the key ways they can boost your exports into Middle East markets.
Market reports released this week
A full list of global economic round-ups can be found here(external link)
If you would like to request a topic for reporting please email exports@mfat.govt.nz
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We welcome feedback from New Zealand exporters on this report and invite requests for reporting from New Zealand’s network of Embassies and High Commissions. If you have suggestions on a topic you would like to hear more about, or to subscribe to this weekly update, you can sign up here(external link) or email us at exports@mfat.govt.nz
External links
The following links may provide useful information to businesses:
NZTE’s website(external link) and their myNZTE(external link) provides a range of insights and tools available to support New Zealand exporters.
The Treasury releases a weekly economic update(external link) every Friday. Stats NZ has published a data portal(external link) with near real-time economic indicators.
MBIE publishes a sector reports series(external link) which provides regularly updated reports on all industry sectors that make up the New Zealand economy. These include official economic data and the challenges and opportunities that face New Zealand’s industry sectors.
Business.govt.nz(external link) provides tools and advice from across government to save small businesses’ time and help make the business a success.
MFAT has created a tariff finder(external link) which is designed to help goods exporters and importers maximise benefits from New Zealand’s Free Trade Agreements and compare tariffs in 136 other markets.
The all of government Trade Barriers(external link) website can be used to register any trade barriers experienced or issues exporting to an offshore market. Queries can be sent via the website or through the MFAT Exporter Helpline 0800 824 605. Enquiries will be sent to the government agency best placed to answer.
Tatauranga Aotearoa Stats NZ provides official data on the value of New Zealand’s exports and imports of both goods and services, by commodity type via the New Zealand Trade Dashboard(external link). This interactive dashboard is updated every quarter and allows for filtering by country and by commodity type.
Learn more about exporting
New Zealand Trade & Enterprise’s comprehensive market guides(external link) cover export regulations, business culture, market-entry strategies and more.
Disclaimer
This information released in this report aligns with the provisions of the Official Information Act 1982. The opinions and analysis expressed in this report are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views or official policy position of the New Zealand Government. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the New Zealand Government take no responsibility for the accuracy of this report.
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