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Trade and Economic Update
US Section 232 investigation outcome on robotics, industrial machinery, and their parts
On October 28 (US time) the US President issued the outcome of the Section 232 National Security investigation into Robotics, industrial machinery and their parts (see the Proclamation(external link) and fact sheet(external link)). The investigation asserts that the current levels of imports of robotics, industrial machinery, and their parts are a threat to national security because they are essential to certain sectors of the US economy and may create cybersecurity vulnerabilities. However, rather than imposing tariffs (other than the 232 tariffs on aluminium which already apply to certain machines and components) the President directed the Commerce Secretary and the United States Trade representative to undertake negotiations with trading partners to address the national security concerns associated with imports of robotics, industrial machinery, and their parts and report back after 180 days when alternative actions under Section 232 could be considered. Currently, these changes are not anticipated to impact New Zealand exporters. The Ministry is continuing to monitor the situation.
US Section 232 investigation outcome on wind turbines and their parts
On October 22 (US time) the US President issued the outcome of the Section 232 National Security investigation into wind turbines and their parts (see the Proclamation(external link)). The investigation asserts that wind turbines pose a threat to national security because of reliance on foreign parts with cybersecurity concerns. It also claims that wind energy is diverting from other more predicable energy sources such as nuclear and fossil fuels. However, rather than imposing tariffs (other than the 232 tariffs on aluminium which already apply to certain components) the President directed the Commerce Secretary and the United States Trade representative to undertake negotiations with trading partners to address the national security concerns associated with wind turbines and their parts and report back after 180 days when alternative actions under Section 232 could be considered. Currently, these changes are not anticipated to impact New Zealand exporters. The Ministry is continuing to monitor the situation.
Further adjustments to US Section 338 tariffs on Canadian goods
On October 23 (US time) the US President issued a Proclamation(external link) and associated Fact Sheet(external link) further adjusting the range of Canadian products subject to additional 50% Section 338 tariffs, the range of goods covered can be found in the annexes to the proclamation(external link). Several products that have been subject to Section 338 tariffs, including some wood and paper products and some machinery, will no longer be subject to the tariffs while a number of new products, representing a similar value of Canadian imports, will be subject to the tariffs from October 30. The changes are justified as better serving the public interest while continuing to offset the burden to US commerce. The 338 tariffs on Canadian products continue to be the subject of ongoing legal challenges in the US.
China's 'Amendments to the Catalogue of Technologies Prohibited or Restricted from Export and Interim Pre-Export Registration'
Between 16 October and 19 October, China's Ministry of Commerce published five notices expanding the scope of its export control regime. The first notice opened consultation on an expansion of the scope of China's 'Catalogue of Technologies Prohibited or Restricted for Export' to include additional technologies related to AI, biopharmaceuticals and photovoltaics. Public consultation closes on 15 November. Further notices expanded China's dual-use export controls to cover unmanned aerial vehicles, tunnel-boring machines and dredging equipment, and revised procedures for identifying goods potentially subject to dual-use controls. MFAT will monitor these controls to better understand the impact on New Zealand exporters.
Upcoming Events and Webinars
Intellectual property and global trade discussion with Buddle Findlay and MFAT | Auckland & Online
Thursday 12 November, 1:00PM-2:00PM
Join New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s intellectual property experts Kate Neilson and Bernadine Eves, alongside Buddle Findlay intellectual property specialists Hamish Selby(external link) and Sophie Thoreau(external link), to understand the international agreements and diplomatic efforts that help protect your intellectual property in international markets. Get an understanding of the foundational Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), learn how the New Zealand government negotiates intellectual property chapters in international Free Trade Agreements (including the most recent FTA with India), and find out what role Geographical Indications play.
Hamish and Sophie will bring this to life from a client perspective, sharing how they work directly with businesses day-to-day to protect and commercialise their intellectual property domestically and in international markets, and translate these international frameworks into practical, on-the-ground protection strategies.
Online: Register Here(external link)
In-Person: Register Here(external link)
Exporter Outlook & Leveraging our FTA | Christchurch
Tuesday 17 November, 7:30AM-9:30AM
Join ExportNZ and the Christchurch Business Club for a briefing from two of New Zealand's leading diplomats. Gain insights into the evolving global trade environment and practical advice on how to leverage New Zealand's suite of free trade agreements to support business growth and export success.
Global Trade Breakfast: Growing Canterbury's Global Reach | Christchurch
Wednesday 18 November, 7:30AM-9:30AM
Join Business Canterbury for its final Global Trade Breakfast of 2026, featuring an update on Lyttelton Port’s $821 million Te Awaparahi Bay expansion and practical insights into exporting to Germany and the EU. Hear from industry experts on market opportunities, trade pathways, and the future of Canterbury’s international trade connections, with opportunities for networking and discussion.
Note: this is a non-government event hosted by Business Canterbury
Market reports released this week
A full list of global economic round-ups can be found here(external link)
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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 guide(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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