The Trade Minister says he's taking potential disruption to trade very seriously.  

US President Donald Trump has sent stocks tumbling across the world after lumping tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico, who are promising retaliation.

Todd McClay says it'll directly affect New Zealand companies in those countries - such as Fisher and Paykel in Mexico.

He says it could move us even closer to China, especially for products like beef. 

"They will still need the beef that they're bringing from the rest of the world from the US on the restaurant table or the supermarket shelves."

LISTEN ABOVE