Countries such as New Zealand shudder at the thought that Obama will, during his jaunt to APEC in Singapore give greater credence to those who believe that protectionism is the way to protect the USA and its friends from Trade woes. That he may choose Singapore to announce such a process is ridiculous in itself. To choose a group of small countries to punish in this manner is typical.

New Zealand and Australia are allies of the US, and have been since the First World War. To be able to contribute we must first be able to trade, and the US Economy, even in its straitened condition is a powerful magnet.

The hope expressed by Obama for the friends of the US to export less to the USA while importing more from the USA is not well received by friends of the USA in the Southern Latitudes.