NZ-EU FTA enters into force
Trade Minister Todd McClay says Kiwi exporters will be $100 million better off today as the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) comes into force.
THE ECONOMIC Cooperation Agreement between New Zealand and the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu (Chinese Taipei) came into effect yesterday.
"Tariffs are removed from milk powder, cheese, butter, apple, cherry and wine exports to Chinese Taipei," says Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy.
"This will mean tariff savings of nearly $40m on current trade. It's great news for our exporters.
"Tariffs on beef will be eliminated in two years, and tariffs on kiwifruit in three. In four years, sheep, honey and most fish product tariffs will be eliminated and 99% of New Zealand trade to Chinese Taipei will be tariff-free.
"In total, tariffs will be eliminated on 100% of New Zealand's current exports in a staged programme over 12 years."
Guy visited a cherry orchard in Blenheim that is now harvesting and packing for export.
"Cherryland will be one of the first exporters sending products to Chinese Taipei under the tariff free conditions. This is a great Christmas present for them, their employees and other businesses throughout New Zealand.
"Chinese Taipei is New Zealand's largest market for cherries. Before today, these exports were charged a tariff of 7.5%, and apples faced a tariff of 20%.
"This is a grassroots example of how free trade deals benefit New Zealand, and particularly the regions. It emphasises the importance of other free trade agreement negotiations, including the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), which could have major benefits to New Zealand.
"Once the Chinese Taipei agreement is fully implemented tariff savings will reach $75m, based on current trade. But given trade can be expected to increase, those savings are likely to be even higher," says Guy.
Chinese Taipei is New Zealand's 6th largest market for agricultural products and our 11th largest overall export market.
Farmer-led charity, Meat the Need is calling for donations to enable it to supply more meals to families in need.
Weaker pricing and demand from China continue to impact New Zealand red meat export earnings.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
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