In the wake of the Maui Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) ministerial meetings, the Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) has re-emphasised the importance
of achieving a commercially meaningful outcome for all Australian dairy producers with regards to the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP).
While the ADIC is disappointed that a meaningful agreement has not been reached to date, it remains hopeful that in the near future a TPP which is in the
best interests of the Australian dairy industry – and importantly the Australian community as a whole, will be completed.
The TPP is a multi-country Free Trade Agreement (FTA) currently under negotiation between Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore,
Japan, the United States, Vietnam, Mexico and Canada.
Sustained economic and population growth is driving an increase in dairy demand for the Asia-Pacific, but to take full advantage of this unprecedented
opportunity, TPP must be ambitious, comprehensive and commercially meaningful.
ADIC Chair, Noel Campbell said there is still a lot of work to be done and key dairy market access outcomes across the TPP remain unresolved.
“Major dairy players must recognise the importance of trade liberalisation and honouring previously agreed positions to advancing negotiations in a positive
manner,” Mr Campbell said.
“A commercially meaningful outcome for the TPP would provide benefits to all countries involved, their industries and consumers. Yet in order to achieve
positive results across the board all TPP nations must demonstrate a willingness to negotiate in good faith.”
Mr Campbell acknowledged the efforts of the Minister for Trade, the Hon. Andrew Robb, his staff and the team of dedicated negotiators who have worked on
its behalf.
“We will continue to promote the interests of Australian dairy as negotiations progress, and hope to see a comprehensive agreement reached in the near
future.”
The ADIC remains are committed to working Government to reach a transformative outcome that provides opportunity for its farmers and processors.
To find out more about the ADIC’s work to liberalise access to key dairy export markets see here.