Trade deal provides boost for farmers

FEBRUARY 5, 2018: OUR farmers will be able to sell to more countries at reduced tariffs once the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) comes into effect.The deal provides new and improved access to ten countries around the Pacific Rim.Cane farmers will reap the benefits of improved access to Japan, Canada, Mexico, Vietnam and Malaysia.Tariffs will be eliminated completely on sugar exports to Japan, and Canada will eliminate tariffs on refined sugar within five years. We'll get a better deal for raw sugar into Mexico, and in-quota tariffs will be eliminated in Vietnam. Fruit and veg growers in our region will also benefit.Peru, which currently has a 17 per cent tariff on our horticultural products, will completely removed tariffs, as will Canada.Mexico will eliminate most tariffs, and will completely eliminate them in 15 years.And Japan will eliminate tariffs on fruit juices within 10 years.Sugar exports to CPTPP countries are worth $579.1 million to the Australian economy, and horticulture exports are worth $830.8 million. This deal, which is expected to be signed on March 8, will speed up growth in the Pacific region.