Deal would reduce prices and enhance trade opportunities despite misgivings of farmers here, says envoy to Ireland Gary Gray
Australian trade minister Don Farrell and EU trade commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis held a conference call in an attempt to bridge the gap. Both ministers agreed to meet in person in coming months.
The stalemate centres on the level of access to the European market for Australian exports such as beef, sheep meat and sugar. The EU is seeking the removal of luxury car taxes on the Australian side and an increase in battery metals imports.The EU is reported to have increased its initial offer of an annual beef quota of 24,000 tonnes but this and the EU sheep meat offer fell far short of what Australia said it could accept.
“We all occupy the same little planet,” he said, noting “free trade helps allocate scarce resources in the best way. It is a help not a hindrance to sustainability.” The UK recently completed a free-trade agreement with Australia, one of its first since exiting the EU. However, the deal has been criticised by UK farmers as rushed and overly preferential to Australia.
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