NZ and world about to discover how much protectionism ‘sucks’, economist says

Businesses in NZ are unlikely to give a thumbs up to trade uncertainty at the moment. (Image: Supplied)

Wed, 12 Feb 2025

New Zealand businesses could face years of uncertainty as global trade tensions escalate, warns a leading trade economist. US President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced a 25% import tax on steel and aluminium with no exceptions for countries, although the Australian Financial Review later reported Trump had left the door open to creating an exemption for Australia.Sense Partners' John Ballingall said people worldwide are potentially about to discover just how painful a trade war can be.“The key overarching message to businesses...

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