New Zealand kiwifruit exports could be collateral damage in a standoff involving the dumping of Chinese steel imports.
Earlier this week, Fairfax Media reported that Pacific Steel, a subsidiary of New Zealand Steel, had registered a complaint with New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) surrounding an apparent glut of cut-price Chinese steel making its way to the market.
Further media reports suggest Chinese officials have warned New Zealand kiwifruit marketer Zespri that there could be repercussions for its trade into the People’s Republic if the claims are investigated. Radio New Zealand reported that Zespi has since notified MBIE of the threats.
The claims come in the same week Chinese quarantine official announced the interception of two consignments of New Zealand-grown kiwifruit. According to a release issued on 18 July, the Tianjin Entry-Exit Inspection Bureau quarantined batches of green and gold kiwifruit.
Fairfax Media reported New Zealand’s dairy and wool industries were also threatened with 'retaliatory measures' if the investigation is pursued, however, the country’s Prime Minister John Key told reporters he does not believe the Chinese would engage in a trade war.
