Dec 9, 2025
When the Oval Office issued its November executive order removing the 15 percent tariff on some agricultural products, including beef and kiwifruit, DINZ moved immediately to see what could be done for venison. As with many other agricultural products (including lamb), venison was left off the list gaining tariff relief. In our advocacy efforts, we activated various channels, including:
- Commercial channels: Reinforcing with importers and distributors that venison is not produced in the United States and therefore poses no competitive threat.
- Government channels: Discreetly checking with contacts in Washington on how venison might be added to a future Executive Order or Most Favoured Nation (MFN) adjustment. (Most Favoured Nation status is a non-discriminatory principle in international trade and a cornerstone of World Trade Organisation agreements.)
- Policy channels: Reminding stakeholders in the U.S. that venison is a niche, exotic meat category and entirely complementary to American protein production.
Venison was not omitted from the November executive order due to any malicious or protectionist reasons. We understand that it simply fell outside of the political spotlight during a fast-moving policy process that focused on sectors with a more visible domestic interest. In Washington’s rapid drafting cycle, products without a strong U.S. domestic lobby can be easily overlooked.
Still, that doesn’t mean we accept the outcome. DINZ has been firm that venison should not be tariffed at 15 percent, and we are working every angle to see that addressed. We continue to push the logic that venison is a premium, non-competing protein and should naturally sit at a zero percent tariff — especially when other agricultural products have now regained MFN treatment. DINZ is also seeking to engage U.S. stakeholders who are well-positioned to support our efforts and favourably influence any future executive order.
The broader bilateral trade environment may also be shifting. At the U.S. Business Summit on 3 December in Auckland, New Zealand officials noted that the U.S. may soon run a trade surplus with New Zealand due to major aircraft and defence purchases. This creates a slightly more favourable backdrop for future tariff discussions. That said, all decisions ultimately come from the Oval Office, so progress requires persistence and a bit of patience.
NARA at half-time
The NARA programme — a three-year, $5 million joint investment by MPI, DINZ, and the five venison companies — has reached its midpoint. Since July 2024, it has strengthened capability, sharpened commercial strategy, and deepened U.S. market relationships.
Despite the tariff headwinds, companies are adapting, investing, and positioning venison right where it performs best: as a premium, high-value offering for affluent American consumers.
Although margins are tight and American consumer sentiment heading into 2026 is uncertain, venison exporters — like farmers — keep going.
For all the political noise, the U.S.–New Zealand relationship is strong and commercially significant. The U.S. economy accounts for more than 20 percent of global GDP. Two-way trade is nearing NZ$30 billion, and New Zealand’s exports to the U.S. grew 8 percent to 30 September — a reminder that demand for premium, trusted products remains solid.
New Zealand proteins succeed in America because they position themselves as complements, not competitors, to U.S. domestic meats. Venison fits that story perfectly. Furthermore, New Zealand venison is grass-fed, natural, ethical, traceable and premium, which U.S. consumers like.
Despite the tariff, U.S. demand for high-quality venison cuts is holding strong. NARA is creating the long-term platform the industry needs, and DINZ continues to push on the policy front with perseverance and realism. Farmers can be assured that DINZ is laser focused on doing everything in our power to create the best possible foundation for our commercial venison trade into the U.S.
