The trade balance

"'[T]he rules NZ depended on at the WTO were no longer fit for purpose.... NZ had relied on US leadership in trade policy for big achievements, such as Uruguay Round, however they were no longer in that space.'
    "China is a more reliable trade partner for New Zealand than the US is, if New Zealand is willing to never say much about the Chinese Government's atrocities.
    "The US claims to be a partner and claims to want to reduce Chinese influence in the Pacific. But when it comes down to it, Congress is more interested in protecting its farmers from competition from NZ meat and dairy. Persistent problems in US baby formula supply chains; NZ has lots to sell, but the US prefers to keep blocking it.
    "So if you're Prime Minister, what the hell do you do?
    "Take a more principled stand on geopolitics, which would likely mean sharp restrictions on NZ exports to China and continued US refusal to allow imports from NZ?
    "Get friendlier with China, which could make it harder for NZ to keep doing awesome stuff in the aerospace sector that depends on tech transfer agreements with the US?
    "Try to keep balancing on an ever-narrowing beam?"

~ Eric Crampton from his post 'End to the golden trade weather'