New Zealand officials were taken by surprise when the US on Aug. 1 announced New Zealand imports would be hit with a 15% tariff up from the 10% initially signaled and higher than some of its competitors such as Australia and the UK, which are at 10%. In response, New Zealand said it would seek a reduction and dispatched a senior trade official to the US, with Trade Minister Todd McClay expected to follow in coming weeks. However, speaking to Radio New Zealand Monday in Wellington, Luxon said he didn't expect to win a reprieve. Nicola Willis, New Zealand's minister of finance tells Bloomberg Businessweek Daily, her country plans to continue to pursue negotiations to get a lower tariff rate with the United States.