Citrus Australia welcomes historic China-Australia FTA

Citrus Australia today welcomed the long-awaited China-Australia Free Trade Agreement that will remove all tariffs from Australian citrus. (Wednesday 17 June) 

Australian Trade Minister Andrew Robb joined his Chinese counterpart Gao Hucheng in confirming the agreement in Canberra today – a move that will increase exports to the Asian nation. 

The agreement will see all tariffs on Australian citrus exported to China eliminated over an eight year period. Orange tariffs are currently 11 per cent and mandarin tariffs, 12 per cent. 

Citrus Australia Chief Executive Officer Judith Damiani said the long-awaited agreement is a great outcome for Australian citrus and will help grow exports to the high valued market. 

“China is our fastest growing and highest valued export market reaching $30 million in 2014,” Ms Damiani said. 

“The reduction in tariffs will ease the pressure on citrus growers and allow them to focus on producing the sweet, safe and healthy citrus Chinese consumers love.” 

She said the China-Australia FTA will also elevate existing cooperative and trade relationships to new levels providing more confidence for citrus businesses. 

“This really is a great result for the Australian citrus industry and I would like to thank Trade Minister Andrew Robb and Prime Minister Tony Abbott for their determination to realise this to a positive result,” Ms Damiani said. 

Citrus Australia will support the approval through the parliamentary process to ensure the phase down of citrus tariffs can begin as soon as possible. 

Source and Photo: Citrus Australia