Australian cattle groups welcome Japan FTA
Australia has finalised the Australian/Japan Free Trade Agreement (AJFTA) after seven years of negotiations, a move that will reduce beef tariffs and which was welcomed by industry associations Meat and Livestock Australia and the Cattle Council of Australia (CCA).
CCA president Andrew Ogilvie said: “The finalisation of the AJFTA will have benefits for both Australia and Japan, creating opportunities for increased Australian beef sales into Japan and also improving the affordability of beef to Japanese consumers.”
However, he added that he is disappointed that substantial tariffs still exist on Australian beef after the phase out period, unlike in previous free trade agreements, and also that different tariffs apply to chilled and frozen beef.
“Cattle Council understands the Australian Government achieved the best result that it could for the Australian beef industry, particularly as this is the first deal Japan has done with a major agricultural exporter,” he said.
Over a period of 18 years, tariffs on frozen Australian beef entering Japan will drop from 38.5% to 19.5% and for chilled beef drop from 38.5% to 23.5% over 15 years.
