He Lifeng, Chinese lead for Sino-US economic and trade affairs and Vice Premier of the State Council, and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent held economic and trade consultations in South Korea on 13 May, exchanging views on resolving mutual concerns and expanding practical cooperation.Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yadong stated at a regular press conference on 25 June that trade cooperation in aircraft and agricultural products is mutually beneficial, and both teams will continue communication, encouraging enterprises to strengthen对接 and expand related trade.In 2025, total Sino-US agricultural trade amounted to US$26.8 billion, down 32.8% year-on-year, with the annual trade deficit narrowing to US$5.49 billion.

The spokesperson noted that China is willing to work with the US on the principles of equality, respect and mutual benefit to lengthen the cooperation list and compress the problem list. US-imposed tariffs are currently a major obstacle; the American Soybean Association has written to Trump urging an early agreement, as farmers are deeply affected by trade frictions. Both sides should explore a 'reciprocal exemption' approach to break tariff barriers.

Agricultural cooperation is one of the most important 'fundamental pillars' of Sino-US economic and trade relations, with strong industrial complementarity and broad prospects for future cooperation.

Fluctuations in Sino-US agricultural trade have two implications for New Zealand small and medium-sized enterprise owners. In the short term, during the trade friction, Chinese importers may turn to alternative sources such as New Zealand, benefiting NZ agricultural exporters, for example in dairy, meat and fruit. In 2025, Sino-US trade fell by 32.8% and the deficit narrowed, indicating China is diversifying its import sources; NZ enterprises can seize the window to expand market share.

The long-term risk is that if the US and China gradually lower tariffs through mechanisms like 'reciprocal exemption', US agricultural products will regain a price advantage, squeezing NZ products' market share in China. For instance, once US bulk commodities such as soybeans and corn regain competitiveness, Chinese procurement may revert. NZ SMEs should monitor the progress of Sino-US consultations, especially details of tariff adjustment clauses, to avoid over-reliance on a single market.

It is advisable to strengthen product differentiation (e.g. organic, sustainable certifications) based on existing customer relationships, while developing emerging markets such as Southeast Asia to diversify risk.

Keywords: Sino-US cooperation, agricultural trade, tariff barriers, reciprocal exemption, Ministry of Commerce, He Lifeng, Scott Bessent, trade consultations, agricultural fundamental pillar, trade deficit

中美经贸中方牵头人、国务院副总理何立峰与美方牵头人、美国财政部长贝森特于5月13日在韩国举行经贸磋商，就解决彼此关注的经贸问题和拓展务实合作进行交流。商务部新闻发言人何亚东6月25日在例行发布会上表示，双方在飞机和农产品领域的贸易合作互利共赢，双方团队将继续沟通，鼓励企业加强对接，拓展相关贸易合作。2025年全年中美农产品贸易总额268亿美元，同比下降32.8%，全年逆差收窄至54.9亿美元。

商务发言人指出，中方愿同美方本着平等、尊重、互惠原则，拉长合作清单，压缩问题清单。美方施加的关税是当前重要障碍，美国大豆协会致信特朗普呼吁尽早达成协议，因农民深受贸易摩擦之痛。双方应探索以“对等豁免”方式破解关税壁垒。

农业合作是中美经贸关系中最重的“基本盘”之一，产业互补性强，未来合作空间广阔。

中美农产品贸易波动对新西兰中小企业主意味着两方面影响。短期看，中美贸易摩擦期间，中国进口商可能转向新西兰等替代来源，利好新西兰农产品出口商，例如乳制品、肉类和水果。2025年中美贸易额下滑32.8%，逆差收窄，显示中国正多元化进口来源，新西兰企业可抓住窗口期扩大市场份额。

长期风险在于，若中美通过“对等豁免”等机制逐步降低关税，美国农产品将重新获得价格优势，挤压新西兰产品在中国市场的空间。例如，美国大豆、玉米等大宗商品恢复竞争力后，中国采购可能回流。新西兰中小企业应关注中美磋商进展，特别是关税调整的条款细节，避免过度依赖单一市场。

建议在现有客户关系基础上，强化产品差异化（如有机、可持续认证），同时开拓东南亚等新兴市场，分散风险。

关键词: 中美合作, 农产品贸易, 关税壁垒, 对等豁免, 商务部, 何立峰, 贝森特, 贸易磋商, 农业基本盘, 逆差

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Source: Securities Times Online