Reduction In Tariffs On NZ Seafood Exports- Europe

NEW ZEALAND ACHIEVES SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN TARIFFS ON NEW ZEALAND SEAFOOD EXPORTS TO EUROPE

New Zealand seafood’s growing importance to European Union markets has received a significant boost. European Fisheries Ministers confirmed a 20,000 tonne reduced tariff quota for frozen hoki and an opportunity to compete for reduced tariff quotas for squid, tuna and surimi from 1 April through to the end of the year.

“The European decision will significantly reduce the costs of tariffs faced by New Zealand’s growing seafood trade to Europe” said Alastair Macfarlane, General Manager - Trade and Information for the New Zealand Seafood Industry Council.

“Our trade to the EU for hoki alone is worth around NZ$100 million annually. The tariff reduction should add around $4 million to the bottom line this year”

“As for the other quotas, European markets are of key importance to the New Zealand squid fishery. Small quantities of skipjack tuna and surimi are also traded in EU markets annually. The tariff quotas could offer a 5% to 15% reduction in costs of doing business in Europe for as long as they last,” Alastair Macfarlane said.

“The European tariff quotas are a recognition that Europe must import seafood to feed consumer demand. High tariffs only end up in high prices for consumers, which is to no one’s advantage.”

“This success is due to a continuing commitment by the New Zealand Government and the industry to keep European officials and politicians focused on our trade concerns. The New Zealand seafood industry congratulates the Government for their success and praises particularly the efforts of New Zealand’s official representatives in Europe for securing these important concessions,” he said.

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