Trans Pacific Partnership Another Win for Kiwifruit Growers

Trans Pacific Partnership Another Win for Kiwifruit Growers

MEDIA RELEASE

Tuesday 6 October 2015

New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc. (NZKGI) welcomes the overnight signing of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement – another big win for kiwifruit growers following the recent tariff elimination agreement with Korea.

Once fully implemented, the TPP Agreement will result in the elimination of annual export tariffs to the 12 Asia-Pacific countries, equalling around $26 million for New Zealand fruit and vegetable growers.

NZKGI President, Neil Trebilco says the most significant result in the agreement for kiwifruit growers is the elimination of tariffs into Japan.

“Japan is the largest market for New Zealand kiwifruit and growers can expect to see significant savings of around $15 million per year from eliminating the six percent tariff.

On top of the recent announcement phasing out tariffs for the industry’s seventh-largest market Korea through a separate Free Trade Agreement, these combined agreements will have a significant impact on grower earnings.

“New Zealand kiwifruit growers pay around $22 million in annual Korean tariffs so the combined savings once both agreements have been rolled out will equal around $37 million.

“Getting New Zealand to this advantageous point has been many years in the making and we would like to thank and congratulate the senior trade officials from MFAT and MPI for their efforts getting the Agreement across the line, and in particular Trade Minister Tim Groser for his superb negotiation.”

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