Farmers welcome signing of the China-Australia FTA

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) congratulates Minister Andrew Robb and the Government on the signing of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) today. This agreement will further cement Australian agriculture’s place in the fastest growing and largest market in the world and will provide billions of dollars in export value to Australian farmers.
NFF President Brent Finlay said China is already our major trading partner with Australian farm exports doubling in five years to be valued at over $7 billion in 2013. Completing this agreement is an outstanding achievement that will build Australia’s important trading future with China and provide significantly improved international market access for Australian agricultural goods, underpinning agriculture as a key pillar of the economy.
“This milestone agreement will see elimination on tariffs of Australian lamb, beef, horticulture and dairy products to China. It’s an enormous achievement that will deliver increased options and improved returns for Australian farmers,” Mr Finlay said.
“While the agreement is a major step forward in reducing tariffs for animal proteins and horticulture products down to zero, as it currently stands it does not deliver outcomes for all agricultural industries.
“This agreement must provide a platform to continue development of trade in these products which we know will be in demand in China in coming years.
“Beyond border issues, such as protocols, that allow trade in products need to be advanced, and we see the agreement as a critical step to help improve the current situation,” Mr Finlay said.
As part of building trade between the two countries, the NFF will work with the broader industry to develop a modern and relevant “True Aussie” brand that can bring together the true characteristics of premium quality, safety and traceability which will provide an excellent platform to boost the trade between Australia and China.
We look forward to the agreement being ratified through parliament and to building on the relationship between the two countries both in trade and but also investment.
ENDS