National’s Trade Push and the Risks

RCR Bites Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has vowed to pursue free trade agreements with seven new countries, including Nigeria, Bangladesh, Brazil and Argentina, within five years if re-elected. While critics warn this aggressive expansion is similar to the controversial New Zealand-India FTA, trade spokesman Todd McLay said a National government would apply the same ambition and focus as they “chase New Zealand’s next billion customers”. However, rather than strengthening New Zealand, the policy could flood markets with low-cost competition which would erode domestic industries, accelerate demographic shifts, deepen inequality and strain infrastructure. Read more at RNZ, Holyhekatuiteka on X and David Seymour on X or watch RCR’s interviews with Jackson Fowler and Joshua Riley. This article was originally published by RCR Media.