FF Welcomes Resolution Of 201 Lamb Tariff Case

1 September 2001

Federated Farmers Welcomes Resolution Of 201 Lamb Tariff Case

Federated Farmers' Meat & Fibre Chairman Murray Taggart has welcomed the notification by the United States Government that it will remove its import tariffs on New Zealand and Australian lamb on 15 November 2001.

"This is good news. Obviously we are disappointed that the tariff is not going to be lifted sooner, but on the whole it is good news for New Zealand farmers and meat exporters. It signals an end to this incident and hopefully a positive approach to the negotiations to be held in Doha in the near future," said Mr Taggart.

In May 2001 the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Appellate Body upheld the decision made by the WTO expert panel that found that the United States had breached international trade rules by imposing tariff quotas on New Zealand and Australian lamb.

"I must also congratulate the Minister of Agriculture and Trade, Jim Sutton, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the effort they have put into this issue."

"As we have said before, this case highlights the importance of the WTO and the framework it provides for international trade."

"The US market holds enormous potential for both the American and New Zealand sheep industries. Americans consume an average of just 450 gms of lamb per year. I am confident that there is room for growth and development in this market for both New Zealand and American lamb," concluded Mr Taggart.

ENDS

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