DCANZ Applauds Reduction of Tariffs in China FTA

Media Release
7 April 2008

DCANZ Applauds Reduction of Tariffs in China Free Trade Agreement

The Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ) today applauded moves to reduce tariffs to zero on imported dairy products into China as part of the New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement.

DCANZ Chairman Earl Rattray said New Zealand dairy exporters in the long term would benefit from improved access to a rapidly growing consumer and ingredients market.

“Our initial understanding of the agreement indicates the tariffs on dairy products will gradually be reduced to zero over timeframes of between five and 12 years.

“While it is too early to quantify those benefits without seeing the specifics of the text, there will advantages for dairy exporters in terms of reduced tariffs, easier access to the China market, and a head start on other dairy exporting nations seeking to leverage the rapid growth in dairy consumption in China.”

Mr Rattray congratulated the New Zealand Government on being the first developed nation to secure a free trade agreement with China.

“The agreement puts New Zealand exporters in a strong position to leverage China’s emergence as one of the world’s top economies and consumer markets.”

ENDS

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