A trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates is seen as offering significant opportunities for the red meat sector.
Christopher Luxon talks to farmers at Mystery Creek
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Minister for Trade Todd McClay signed the UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in Abu Dhabi last week.
The Emirates eliminate tariffs on frozen beef and sheep meat from New Zealand. Chilled products are already tariff-free.
Sirma Karapeeva
Meat Industry Association chief executive Sirma Karapeeva said 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 per cent 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.”
Alan Thomson
Beef and Lamb New Zealand chief executive Alan Thomson said the entry into force of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement 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 sheep meat is critical to the wellbeing of our sector, with approximately 60 per cent 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.”
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was a popular visitor among Fieldays patrons at Mystery Creek in the Waipā district. Here he is pictured with a group from the Philippines and Malaysia. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Trade deal. Photo: Julius Silver, pexels.com
