Article Summary –
Scott Brown, former Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa and a potential Senate candidate, stated that President Trump would exempt New Zealand from tariffs, a prediction that was contradicted when Trump imposed a 10% tariff on New Zealand after his reelection. Brown had previously emphasized the strong relationship between the U.S. and New Zealand and expressed confidence that tariffs would target other countries, like China and India, but not New Zealand. Trump’s tariffs, which falsely claimed New Zealand imposed a 20% tariff on U.S. goods, resulted in significant economic impacts, including a decline in the stock market and the U.S. dollar, prompting criticism from New Zealand’s Prime Minister, who warned of a detrimental trade war.
Republican Scott Brown claimed President Donald Trump would bypass tariffs on New Zealand; however, on April 2, they were imposed.
Brown, a former Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa, served in the U.S. Senate for Massachusetts from 2010-2013 and is anticipated to run for Senate in New Hampshire in 2026.
On November 6, 2024, Brown assured that New Zealand would be tariff-exempt, a day post-Trump’s re-election. Trump’s campaign had highlighted broad tariffs as a means for fair trade. Brown’s statement came during an interview on New Zealand’s Wellington Mornings radio show.
“They’re not talking about New Zealand,” Brown stated, emphasizing the strong ties between the nations. He noted that tariff threats were directed at trade partners like China and India.
Brown reiterated his stance in a March 6 radio interview and mentioned his discussion with interim Ambassador David Gehrenbeck.
“Listen, $16 billion of trade, that’s relatively even,” said Brown. “I’ve heard nothing about imposing tariffs on New Zealand … I’m optimistic about a future free trade agreement.”
Trump eventually declared tariffs on 125 countries, including a 10% tariff on New Zealand. The White House erroneously stated New Zealand imposes a 20% tariff on U.S. imports, while it actually averages around 1.9% for select goods.
The announcement triggered immediate economic impacts. The stock market and dollar value fell sharply.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon labeled Trump’s policy a “trade war” detrimental to U.S. consumers.
“But let’s be clear, tariffs and trade wars aren’t beneficial for the global economy,” Luxon remarked. “About $900 million in tariffs will affect New Zealand exporters, impacting U.S. consumers.”
A spokesperson for Brown did not immediately comment on the situation.
The post Scott Brown got Trump’s tariff plans for New Zealand very wrong appeared first on American Journal News.
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