South Australian primary producers to reap JAEPA benefits from today

South Australian primary producers are poised to reap substantial benefits from the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (JAEPA), which entered into force today.

Senator for South Australia Anne Ruston said the State’s primary industries were well-placed to take advantage of opportunities offered by the free trade agreement (FTA).

“South Australia’s agricultural, food and wine exports to Japan totalled more than $300 million in 2014 and this important trade relationship will only grow as a result of this FTA,” Senator Ruston said.

“Japan is the State’s third largest export market for agricultural products, and our biggest market for horticultural produce. Japan is the world’s third largest economy and Australia’s second largest trading partner, accounting for 11% of our total trade (around $70 billion a year) and 16% of our exports.”

Senator Ruston said the livestock, seafood, wine and horticulture sectors in South Australia were particular beneficiaries of the JAEPA.

“Livestock and livestock product exports to Japan are worth around $100 million a year, and seafood exports are worth about the same,” she said. “Under the JAEPA, beef tariffs will be halved, lamb tariffs will be bound at zero and pork will have preferential access. Seafood will also have preferential access, and tariffs on commodities such as tuna and rock lobster will be eliminated.

“Wine producers in SA will also become more competitive in Japan with the elimination of tariffs of up to $2 per litre. Tariffs of up to 40% for oranges, 20% for apples, 20% for mandarins and 16% for nuts will be significantly reduced.

“JAEPA is the second of three historic trade agreements concluded by the Australian Government in the past year.”