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US Section 232 drone tariffs announced
On Thursday 13 August (US time) US President Trump issued a Proclamation (external link)announcing the imposition of tariffs on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and their components, i.e. drones and their parts, following a national security investigation under section 232 of the of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (Fact Sheet(external link)):
- Tariffs of 100% will be imposed on all UASs / drones over 25kgs, drones under 25kg with thermal imaging, and drone docking stations and parts, from 3 September 2026 (see Annex I(external link) for product scope by tariff line). Note: an exception applies for “systems for retail delivery use, agricultural use, or sale to the Department of War”.
- Tariffs of 25% will be imposed on UASs / drones under 25kgs without thermal imaging, from 3 September 2026 (see Annex II(external link) for product scope by tariff line).
- Tariffs of 25% will be imposed on components or parts for use in or with UASs / drones, from 9 February 2027 (see Annex III(external link) for product scope by tariff line).
- For companies on the US Department of War’s Blue UAS Cleared List, the Blue UAS Framework, or the Federal Communications Commission’s Conditional Approval List on 2 September 2026, the tariffs will be imposed 180 days from the date of the proclamation.
US imports from New Zealand on the tariff lines listed in the Annexes to the Proclamation totalled NZ$68 million in the year to June 2026 (Annex I: $60 million; Annex II: zero; Annex II: $8 million). Officials will engage with exporters to determine what proportion of this might be within scope of the Proclamation, or the scope of the limitations or exceptions.
Vietnam and New Zealand Deepen Economic Partnership Following High-Level Visit
During Vietnamese General Secretary and President Tô Lâm's State Visit to New Zealand (12-13 August 2026), both countries reinforced trade and economic cooperation as a core pillar of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which was upgraded in 2025. The leaders witnessed an exchange of five arrangements, including an agricultural market access bundle that will allow access to the Vietnamese market for New Zealand honey, venison, and other deer products, as well as providing access to New Zealand for Vietnamese cut flowers and foliage. The leaders also committed to deeper collaboration in science, technology, innovation, standards development, trade facilitation, and reducing non-tariff barriers to support business growth. They agreed to explore opportunities in green and blue economy sectors and strengthen cooperation across food and fibre, investment, education, tourism, and aviation. New Zealand and Viet Nam expressed support for increasing bilateral trade and creating conditions to reach a USD 3bn (NZD 5.1bn) trade target, while encouraging greater business engagement and investment flows between the two economies.
Korea launches major push into strategic technologies
Korea has unveiled a new strategy to develop seven priority technology sectors as future drivers of economic growth and competitiveness. The “Seven Major SEED” initiative covers areas including nuclear and renewable energy, quantum technology, space and aviation, biotechnology, and critical minerals and materials. Key targets include landing on the Moon by 2030, developing a domestic 100-qubit quantum computer by 2029, and commercially deploying Korean small modular reactors by 2035. The Korean Government also plans to invest KRW10 trillion (NZD 12bn) in materials, parts and equipment and strengthen critical-mineral supply chains.
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)
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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 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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