4 February 2017 – 

The signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement today in Auckland is a significant step

towards reducing the amount of tariff and non-tariff barriers on New Zealand red meat exports,
according to the Chairmen of Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) and the Meat Industry Association
(MIA).

Trade Minister Todd McClay signed the TPP Agreement today with the 11 member countries,
including from Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Singapore, the United
States and Vietnam.

“This deal is critical for New Zealand sheep and beef farmers and meat exporters, keeping us
competitive in key markets”, said Beef + Lamb New Zealand Chairman James Parsons.

The New Zealand sheep and beef sector exports close to 90% of its production totalling $7.4 billion,
on which we paid $323 million of tariffs in 2014. Nearly one-third of those total exports go to TPP
member countries, with a significant proportion of those tariffs paid in Japan ($77 million) - where
applied tariffs on our beef exports are 38.5%.

The TPP agreement will eliminate, over time, the vast majority of tariff costs on New Zealand red
meat exports to TPP member countries. Based on 2014 exports, this would be a reduction in tariffs
paid of around NZ$72 million which ensures that New Zealand red meat products will remain
competitive in TPP markets.

“The TPP deal also includes ways to address complex non-tariff barriers, which will prove useful in
terms of opening markets and ensuring that they stay open”, said MIA Chairman Bill Falconer.

The TPP is expected to enter into force within two years, once all member countries have completed
their legislatives processes.

B+LNZ and MIA work together to improve access for sheep and beef products to overseas markets,
including by providing in-depth analysis to support the government's trade negotiation efforts.

For more information, please contact B+LNZ Chairman James Parsons on 021 206 3208 or MIA
Chairman Bill Falconer on 021 939 520.