The TikTok ban and the geopolitical tightrope

The TikTok ban and the geopolitical tightrope
While the TikTok risk may be unacceptable, what does it mean for trade relations between NZ and China? (Image: Getty)
Ben Moore
The banning of TikTok on parliamentary service devices will have no impact on trade between New Zealand and China, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – but it may not be so simple.TikTok is owned by Chinese company ByteDance and while some say there is little difference between a social media platform owned by a US-based company and one owned by a China-based company, others say that the Chinese government’s power over the private sector makes the app a risk to national security.The move, which was announced on M...

More Economy

Westpac adds another rate cut to its forecasts
Economy

Westpac adds another rate cut to its forecasts

Westpac Bank now expects the official cash rate (OCR) to trough at 3% and has pushed back the timing of its forecast tightening cycle.“Downside risks from global growth suggest the RBNZ [Reserve Bank of New Zealand] may continue easing beyond May,” chief economist Kelly Eckhold s...

Rebecca Howard 09 May 2025
Rams Logistics owed $3.2m to IRD
Economy

Rams Logistics owed $3.2m to IRD

About 50 employees are owed approximately $760,000, the liquidators said.

Gregor Thompson 08 May 2025
Paul Bloxham: NZ's growth to stem worker outflow to Australia
Economy

Paul Bloxham: NZ's growth to stem worker outflow to Australia

HSBC's chief economist says NZ will benefit from Chinese economic pivot.

Capital requirements review doesn't mean they are too high
Economy

Capital requirements review doesn't mean they are too high

The Reserve Bank of NZ is not committed to any one particular outcome. 

Rebecca Howard 07 May 2025