PMdeclares ‘strong case’ over US import tariffs

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand has a ‘‘strong case’’ for an exemption from United States import tariffs, claiming our steel and aluminium exports pose ‘‘no threat’’ to the world’s largest economy.

US President Donald Trump is pushing through hefty tariffs on steel and aluminium in a bid to protect manufacturers there, on the grounds of national security.

While the tariffs have prompted threats of retaliatory action, a number of countries are pushing for exemptions.

Mexico and Canada, two of the US’s largest trading partners, have already been granted exemptions, while Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has also claimed his country will be spared.

Ardern told reporters at her weekly post-Cabinet press conference on Monday that ministers were seeking an exemption from the tariffs ‘‘as we speak’’ and believed the case was strong.

‘‘We have what I would characterise as an important and broad relationship with the US, not unlike Australia, so we believe we have a strong case for an exemption,’’ she said.

‘‘I think that case is enhanced by the fact that we are clearly not a target here. Our exports of steel and aluminium are very small.’’

New Zealand exports of steel have been put at $39 million a year, with $23m a year exports of aluminium to the US.

‘‘We believe we pose no threat to United States steel and aluminium manufacturers.’’

Ardern pointed out that New Zealand imported more from the US than it exported, putting the annual trade deficit at about $60m.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand exported about $8 billion of goods to the US in 2016, led by meat, dairy products and wine.

‘‘President Trump frequently talks about trade deficits and those trading nations where he believes that the United States is getting a raw deal,’’ Ardern said.

‘‘New Zealand is not one of the nations and we’ll be making that case.’’