Community News

China Free Trade Agreement welcomed by Hartsuyker

Federal Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker has welcomed the passage last week of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) through the Senate as a giant leap toward realising the enormous opportunity for North Coast to export our agricultural and business products and services to Australia’s biggest trading partner. “ChAFTA is fantastic for local businesses and jobs growth on the North Coast, so it is encouraging to see another major milestone in the progress toward full implementation of this historic Free Trade Agreement,” Mr Hartsuyker said. “The passing of this legislation by the Senate is a major landmark in the journey toward a robust and equitable trade agreement with the world’s largest economy. “On the North Coast we have beef, sugar, and macadamia farmers, dairy producers such as Norco, and fruit and vegetable growers who will benefit from this watershed moment in economic and trade relations with China,” Mr Hartsuyker said. Mr Hartsuyker said ChAFTA would also benefit the North Coast teaching, nursing, education, training, research and health sectors. “Taking away the prohibitive tariffs which were applied to some of our local exports, makes them more attractive in the Chinese market. The flow-on effect for the North Coast is increased demand, which means more local jobs,” Mr Hartsuyker said. Under ChAFTA, all tariffs on horticultural products will be progressively removed. This includes: • The elimination of the 10 to 25 per cent tariff on macadamia nuts, almonds, walnuts, pistachios and all other nuts within 4 years. • Removal of the 11 to 30 per cent tariff on all citrus fruits within 8 years. • Elimination of the 10 to 30 per cent tariff on all other fruit within 4 years. • Elimination of the 10 to 13 per cent tariff on all fresh vegetables within 4 years.