Trade Minister, Lockwood Smith says that it is likely that New Zealand and Australia will both take the United States imposition of tariffs to the World Trade Organisation.

Dr Smith says while no final decision had been taken the option of a case to the WTO is a very real one. He said New Zealand had never lost a case before the WTO and did not intend to lose now.

He said a decision on the process to be taken would follow a careful examination of President Clinton's decision.

The Prime Minister, Jenny Shipley is said to be angry at the decision and keen to pursue all options to fight the tariff imposition.