FREER trade access remains a high priority for Australian beef and sheepmeat in the lucrative European Union market.
The commencement of discussions late last year with the EU over a Free Trade Agreement is an important step for Australian beef and sheepmeat prospects in the region, currently severely hampered by quotas.
In the short video accessible below, MLA’s international business manager for Europe and Russia, Josh Anderson, discusses some of the opportunities and challenges facing Australian red meat in the market. Mr Anderson was filmed during MLA’s recent annual Brussels barbecue for EU politicians and bureaucrats.
With 65 percent of Australia’s current red meat exports to the region finding their way into the UK market, the recent BREXIT announcement may open up new opportunities for Australian exports – although at this early stage the exact outcome of the UK’s departure remains difficult to define, Mr Anderson said.
The EU is easily Australia’s highest value red meat market, with beef exports last year worth an average of around A$10,000/tonne.
A significant and growing shortfall in domestic beef and sheepmeat production in the EU, compared with consumption, means Australia has strong opportunities for future trade, provided access issues can be improved.
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