Placing a heavy duty on imported whiteware would only hurt the poor, Owen Jennings, ACT Trade Negotiations Spokesman said today.

“The preliminary decision to place a heavy duty on imported whiteware can only hurt those on lower incomes. The Government is blatantly bailing out a poor-performing New Zealand manufacturer. This is an unprincipled case of robbing the poor to help the rich.

“When will the socialists realise the damage done to low-income New Zealanders by high tariffs? When will they accept that it increases costs for exporters?’

“The Coalition Government needs to look carefully at the facts surrounding this issue. Why would Koreans subsidise New Zealand homeowners? This is a pure case of comparative advantage: anti-dumping action is unnecessary.

“The Government must also consider our international image and requirements under the WTO agreements. We are too small and vulnerable to be playing protectionist games,” Owen Jennings said.

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