On 2 July, at a regular press conference, Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yadong provided an update on the latest progress in China-US agricultural trade co-operation. He stated that agricultural trade is a vital part of bilateral economic and trade ties. Following recent consultations, the two sides set guidance targets for expanding two-way agricultural trade and agreed in principle to include relevant agricultural products in a reciprocal tariff reduction framework.

Enterprises will operate on market-based principles, conducting trade independently based on actual demand and market conditions. China is willing to work with the US to create favourable conditions for two-way agricultural trade. The specific tariff reduction list and implementation plan have yet to be announced; further developments remain to be seen.

The upgrade of China-US agricultural trade co-operation has dual implications for New Zealand small and medium-sized enterprise owners. On one hand, reciprocal tariff reduction between China and the US could enlarge the market share of US agricultural products in China, directly squeezing the competitive space for New Zealand's similar products, such as dairy and meat. It is advisable for New Zealand exporters to closely monitor the US tariff reduction list, analyse changes in price advantage, and strengthen differentiated marketing, for instance, emphasising grass-fed and organic certification.

On the other hand, the easing of China-US trade relations helps stabilise the global agricultural trade environment and reduce trade barrier risks. New Zealand companies could leverage this opportunity to push for the upgrade of the NZ-China Free Trade Agreement negotiations, seeking more preferential tariffs. Potential opportunities lie in the continuously growing demand among Chinese consumers for high-quality, safe agricultural products.

New Zealand products can reinforce brand stories and utilise Chinese e-commerce and the China International Import Expo channels to expand visibility. In conclusion, New Zealand exporters should track subsequent China-US consultations, adjust export strategies to China in a timely manner, and explore co-operation with Chinese firms to develop value-added products.

Keywords: Ministry of Commerce, He Yadong, China-US agricultural trade, economic and trade consultations, guidance targets, reciprocal tariff reduction, market-based principle, two-way trade

7月2日，商务部例行新闻发布会上，新闻发言人何亚东介绍中美农产品贸易合作最新进展。何亚东表示，农产品贸易是中美经贸合作的重要组成部分。经过近期经贸磋商，双方设定了扩大农产品双向贸易的指导性目标，并原则同意将相关农产品纳入对等降税的框架安排。

企业将遵循市场化原则，根据实际需求和市场条件自主开展贸易。中方愿与美方相向而行，为双向农产品贸易创造有利条件。具体降税清单及实施方案尚未公布，后续进展有待关注。

中美农产品贸易合作升级，对新西兰中小企业主意味着双重影响。一方面，中美对等降税可能扩大美国农产品在华市场份额，直接挤压新西兰同类产品（如乳制品、肉类）的竞争空间。建议新西兰出口商密切关注美方降税清单，评估价格优势变化，并加强差异化营销（如草饲、有机认证）。

另一方面，中美贸易关系缓和有助于稳定全球农产品贸易环境，减少贸易壁垒风险。新西兰企业可借机推动中新自贸协定升级谈判，争取更优惠关税。潜在机会在于中国消费者对高品质、安全农产品的需求持续增长，新西兰产品可强化品牌故事，利用中国电商和进博会渠道扩大曝光。

结语：新西兰出口商应跟踪中美后续磋商，及时调整对华出口策略，并探索与中方企业合作开发增值产品。

关键词: 商务部, 何亚东, 中美农产品贸易, 经贸磋商, 指导性目标, 对等降税, 市场化原则, 双向贸易

AI illustration on MiDeer Observer

Source: Global Times