Media Release
21 April 2013
Meat industry welcomes Japan to TPP
Confirmation of Japan joining the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations is an important next step in expanding
the reach of the TPP negotiations, ensuring this agreement offers significant benefits for those in the Asia Pacific
region, according to Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) and the Meat Industry Association (MIA).
New Zealand sheep and beef farmers and meat processors and exporters are keen to see the inclusion of Japan in these
Free Trade Agreement negotiations because it is an important market for New Zealand meat.
MIA Chairman, Bill Falconer said: “Japan’s inclusion in the TPP rounds off an exciting grouping of 12 countries from the
Asia Pacific region with common interests in improving our collective trade opportunities. Together these countries
account for a third of global beef production.
“The TPP partners have committed to some ambitious outcomes for market access and the New Zealand red meat industry will
not want to see any delay to the goal of completing the TPP deal this year, Falconer said.
The TPP partner countries include Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru,
Singapore, Vietnam and the United States of America.
The TPP negotiations offer new opportunities for all red meat exporting countries through improved market access, the
elimination of tariffs and non-tariff barriers, B+LNZ Chairman Mike Petersen said.
Exports to Japan from the red meat sector last year were $338M which last year incurred approximately NZ$93 million of
tariff payments. Approximately NZ$76 million of these payments were incurred on New Zealand’s substantial beef trade,
with New Zealand facing a 38.5% tariff rate, increasing to 50% in the event certain volumes are exceeded.
“We welcome Japan’s entry into the TPP negotiations and their commitment to a high quality comprehensive agreement that
acknowledges the importance of facilitating production and regional supply chains for all participating countries.
“Achieving that will create new opportunities for us all and will help us do business more easily and transparently,”
Petersen said.
ends