It will put EU exporters on a level playing field with countries like Australia that already have an agreement, but notably it will put New Zealand at an even greater disadvantage until our trade negotiators can achieve a similar outcome.
There is great enthusiasm for what is being called the “most important bi-lateral agreement ever done”, embracing some 20% of the world’s population.
When the details are completed, targeted for the end of this year, there will potentially be no tariffs applying to all food exports including beef, sheep meat and pork products. It remains to be seen how long the phase-in period will be.
However, reading EU comments that greeted the news, there appears to be absolutely no concern about the effect of Japanese-produced goods entering the EU. That will no doubt be for non-food producers including French, German and Italian car-makers to worry about.
“This is a win-win for both partners, but particularly for rural Europe,” Phil Hogan, the EU’s Agricultural Commissioner, said. He called it “the most significant and far-reaching agreement ever concluded in agriculture”.
The deal will not only result in the reduction of tariffs, but also of non-tariff barriers such as sanitary and phytosanitary barriers that will further facilitate enhanced trade opportunities for EU producers.
The encouraging aspect of the agreement for NZ is the very clear demonstration of Japan’s commitment to move in the direction of free trade, following on from taking the leadership position in the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPPII) negotiations after the United States’ withdrawal.
Sir Graeme Harrison, Anzco chairman and a long-time expert on trade and relationships with Japan, expressed his pleasure at the announcement of the EU-Japan FTA because it reinforced the perception of positive Japanese intent. He remains confident of the ultimate success of TPPII, which will be much better than a bilateral agreement.
It appears NZ’s trade negotiations are progressing well, even though it is easy to get impatient when others seemingly steal a march on us.
No trade deal has ever been achieved quickly or easily and we must rely on the hard work going on behind the scenes to make sure this country’s trading interests continue to be promoted.
