Fletcher Tabuteau MP

Spokesperson for Trade
15 JUNE 2015

Massive Handouts to US, Japanese, Canadian Farmers Rule Out NZ TPPA Gains

New Zealand will gain little if anything from the TPPA unless the deal requires the Japanese, American and Canadian governments to stop subsidising their farmers, says New Zealand First.

“The Prime Minister is intent on signing regardless of the unfairness to New Zealand farmers,” says Spokesperson on Trade Fletcher Tabuteau. “There is no evidence this massive protection for other farmers is being removed. Mr Key must make it clear what actual trade advantage there is for New Zealand.

“New Zealand has historically led the way with tariff-free borders and our farmers compete with the world with little government support. That’s the level all TPPA signatories have to be at.

“United States farmers get billions in handouts and Japanese farmers are the second most subsidised farmers in the world with $US45 billion every year in direct support. Even Canada supports its farmers to the tune of $US7.5 billion every year.

“Farmers getting these subsidies will not roll over and welcome our primary exports.

“These countries look like they have outfoxed Trade Minister Tim Groser and Mr Key by getting inside the TPPA, and they’ve turned it to their advantage. The risk is that Mr Key wants this as his legacy and he’ll sacrifice farmers and New Zealanders in order to secure the deal.

“Mr Key needs to promise that he’ll resign as Prime Minister, rather than agree to Canadian, Japanese and United States farmers continuing to block our exports with ongoing high tariffs whilst continuing to subsidise their farmers.

“New Zealand First supports trade improvements but the TPPA will not be a good trade treaty unless there is free and fair access for all countries,” says Mr Fletcher.

ENDS

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