NZ Wins Apple Export Victory Over Australia

Trans Tasman Political Letter

12 April 2010

NZ Wins Apple Export Victory Over Australia At WTO

The Trans Tasman Political Letter reports informed sources in Wellington advise NZ has won a spectacular victory against Australia in the World Trade Organisation in the case it took to secure free access to the Australian market for apples.

The sources say the WTO panel, which adjudicated the long-running dispute, comprehensively rejected the Australian defence. Australia has blocked the import of NZ apples, despite the existence of a free trade agreement, and scientific support for the NZ argument there is no risk of the transmission of fire blight.

The WTO verdict comes on the eve of an Australian Federal General Election, and Australian apple growers who have exercised powerful influence in several marginal electorates may again seek to flex their political muscle. But Australia could risk severe penalties if it flouts the WTO ruling.

The trade issue has been running since the 1920s when NZ apples were first banned from Australia after fire blight was found here in 1919. NZ applied for re-admittance to the Australia market in 1986, 1989, and 1995, but was turned down each time. Further talks over the restrictions also failed and NZ applied to the WTO for the matter to be resolved in 2007.

ENDS

© Scoop Media