The Australian dairy industry is disappointed that the interim trade agreement with India announced today has failed to deliver meaningful market access gains for dairy.
We acknowledge the efforts made by Trade Minister Tehan and government officials in pushing for a dairy outcome in the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) negotiations.
However, it is concerning that India does not recognise the significant benefit of partnering with Australian dairy to complement local India dairy production and fill gaps in the market.
The dairy industry supports the Government’s aim to deliver a comprehensive trade agreement with India, a key economic partner. However, an agreement, interim or otherwise, that does not include market access gains for dairy is a disappointing outcome.
“It is regrettable that a substantial industry such as dairy should be largely left off the table in trade negotiations”, stated Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) Chair, Rick Gladigau stated.
Free Trade Agreements are built on trust and aim to expand trade between countries by reducing barriers and integrating economies.
Grant Crothers, ADIC Deputy Chair stated, “it’s disappointing that India has failed to consider the benefits that can be realised by increasing trade with Australian partners, who are well placed to complement Indian capabilities to provide high quality dairy products into their local food and pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors”.
“We have a proven track record of working collaboratively with our trade partners to support consumer needs and ensure that everyone wins from the relationship”.
The Australian dairy industry’s focus will now shift to ensuring that the subsequent comprehensive deal prioritises dairy market access.
“While disappointing, this interim agreement is not the end of the road when it comes to strengthening dairy trade ties between Australia and India. The Government has to prioritise dairy market access in the comprehensive deal and must ensure that negotiations for this end deal are not delayed,” said Rick Gladigau, ADIC Chair.
Media contact: Mark Paterson mark@curriecommunications.com.au +61 (0) 409 411 110.
About the Australian Dairy Industry Council
The Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) is the dairy industry’s peak policy body. It co-ordinates industry’s policy and represents all sectors of the industry on national and international issues through its two constituent bodies, Australian Dairy Farmers Ltd (ADF) and the Australian Dairy Products Federation (ADPF). It aims to foster, promote and protect the interests of the Australian dairy industry by driving a whole of industry approach to dairy policy and the development of the dairy industry.