stuff
According to the red meat sector, it is a missed opportunity for the sector to allow 10,000 tons of beef into a market that consumes 6.5 million tons.
The new free trade agreement with the European Union has failed among beef and lamb exporters, with their trade association saying it is “extremely disappointed” with their part in the deal.
Meat Industry Association chief executive Sirma Karapeeva said the deal would bring in just 10,000 tons of New Zealand beef for a market that consumes 6.5 million tons of beef annually.
“We are extremely disappointed that this agreement does not provide commercially meaningful access for our exporters, especially beef,” Karapeeva said.
With more volatility in global markets, diversification was important and a high-quality trade deal with the EU was crucial. The sector has been asking for better access and the opportunity for growth for several years, Karapeeva said.
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Agriculture Damien O’Connor, who co-led the deal with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, painted a different picture.
“We have fought hard for our dairy and beef exporters and the deal could generate up to $600 million in additional export revenue if access is used and once the deal is in full effect.
“We’ve increased the volume of beef we can export to the EU eightfold,” said O’Connor.
For fish and seafood exports, annual tariff savings would be $20 million per year. Improved access for butter and cheese producers was also ensured, with some raw materials gaining entry to the market for the first time in years, O’Connor said.
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The EU trade deal means that the elimination of tariffs from day one will bring more than $37 million in annual savings on kiwis.
Karapeeva said an increase of 38,000 tons of mutton was also being negotiated, with a further 12,667 tons on entry, and then in seven years.
Kiwifruit marketer Zespri was delighted with the access to Europe being created for New Zealand kiwis.
The deal included the elimination of tariffs on New Zealand kiwifruit exports. Zespri paid about $46.5 million in tariffs on sales of more than $1 billion in the EU last season.
Speaking from Brussels, Zespri chairman Bruce Cameron said the agreement would help Zespri meet the growing demand for its fruit in Europe.
(more to eat)