New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon acknowledged Wellington is unlikely to secure a reduction in the newly imposed U.S. tariff on Kiwi goods. On August 1, the U.S. unexpectedly raised the tariff rate to 15%, up from the previously signaled 10%, and higher than rates applied to competitors like Australia and the UK. New Zealand responded by sending a senior trade official to Washington, with Trade Minister Todd McClay expected to follow. However, Luxon told Radio New Zealand today, “I don’t think it’s going to change our situation in a tariff sense, the President and the administration is pretty set on that.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining “ongoing dialogue with the Americans.” The U.S. ranked as New Zealand’s number two export destination, with shipments totaling NZD 9.3 billion over the past year.