New Zealand’s red meat sector welcomes new trade agreement with UAE
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Minister for Trade Hon McClay signed the UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in Abu Dhabi.
The UAE will eliminate all tariffs on frozen beef and sheepmeat from New Zealand. Chilled products are already tariff-free.
MIA chief executive Sirma Karapeeva says the agreement will provide a significant opportunity to New Zealand’s red meat sector with potential to grow.
"It is among the world’s wealthiest economies and there is increasing demand in the market for the high-quality, safe, sustainable, and nutritious products that New Zealand can provide.
"With a population where over 75% are Muslim, the UAE is a key halal market that is increasingly looking for reliable sources of high-quality red meat that meets their strict halal expectations.
"Halal-certified exports made up 37 percent of total red meat exports in 2023/24 – New Zealand is well placed to meet the UAE’s red meat needs".
B+LNZ chief executive Alan Thomson says the entry into force of the CEPA comes at a crucial time for sheep and beef farmers following a challenging two years on-farm and headwinds in global markets.
"New Zealand farmers are raising sheep and cattle to provide the UAE market with the high quality protein they are seeking.
"Improving market access settings for New Zealand’s beef and sheepmeat is critical to the wellbeing of our sector, with approximately 60 percent of export revenues flowing through to farmers.
"We know food security is a priority for the UAE with international trade identified as a key enabler, and beef in particular, cited in their strategy as a key food item to secure supply in.
"MIA and B+LNZ thank Prime Minister Luxon, Minister McClay and New Zealand government officials for their hard work in the negotiations and finalising the CEPA so quickly".
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