Meat exporters have been watching the global spat between the US and China, and some worry New Zealand may be caught in the crossfire.

New Zealand's leading trade negotiator Vangelis Vitalis has warned the golden weather for trade policy is over and the region has to be careful going forward.

NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says tensions are high between the US and China and New Zealand won't want to get drawn into either security camp.

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