increase font size
THE FREE TRADE deal between Australia and Japan makes a high quality TPP outcome even more important, according to the New Zealand red meat sector.
The bilateral agreement will lower Japan's tariffs on Australian beef products, over time, to about half of the 38.5% that is applied to exports from other countries, including New Zealand. This will give Australian beef producers a significant advantage in the Japanese market.
"Without a comprehensive, high quality TPP, we're now going to have a competitive disadvantage in our fifth-largest beef market, and our largest market for chilled beef," said Meat Industry Association Chairman Bill Falconer.
"We've always placed a lot of importance on a successful and high quality TPP deal that removes all tariffs on our exports,"
"We're confident that New Zealand's negotiators are doing their best to get us there, regardless of this kind of distraction."
Beef + Lamb New Zealand chairman James Parsons said the Australia-Japan deal was much less ambitious than a typical New Zealand FTA and was "in a completely different league" to the ongoing TPP negotiations.
"A high quality deal means complete tariff elimination on all products of trade interest – that's basically what New Zealand has achieved in its FTAs. It's disappointing to see Australia and Japan not get up to that standard, particularly while we're all in the middle of trying to finish a very high quality TPP agreement."
OPINION: Your old mate hears that at a recent China Business Summit, PM Christopher Luxon delivered a none-too-subtle "could try harder" report card on the red meat industry regarding its exports to China - particularly when compared to Australia.
More Australian states are embracing virtual fencing technology, opening growth opportunities for Kiwi companies like Halter.
Fonterra says its ongoing legal battle with Australian processor Bega Cheese won’t change its divestment plans.
Farmers in the Australian state of New South Wales will soon be able to use virtual fencing and herding technology to boost farm productivity.
Australian farmers advocate NFF says this year’s Federal Election will be a defining moment for Australian agriculture.
Greenlea Premier Meats managing director Anthony (Tony) Egan says receiving the officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) honour has been humbling.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.
