IMTA Press Release: Signing of UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement

The signing of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the UK and Australia is an historic moment. It marks the first brand new UK FTA with a partner without a pre-existing FTA with the EU or the Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the EU itself.

The history of the International Meat Trade Association stretches back over 125 years to when the UK was just beginning to forge its links in trade in meat with countries such as Australia, New Zealand and South America. These were key partners in helping to feed the population in difficult times. While much has happened since then, including the UK joining and then leaving the EU, one constant has been the strong links in food between the UK and Australia.

In the meat sector, Australia is a long-standing supplier of beef and lamb to the UK market. The Agreement in Principle revealed in June this year contained additional duty-free access which will allow more UK consumers to sample what Australia has to offer. IMTA has always been an advocate of the benefits of two-way trade and believes free trade agreements bring the opportunity to present UK consumers with more choice, an offering of meat from a range of partners, which come with their own characteristics and unique flavours.

Two-way trade means the UK can ensure its food security by importing the products it is not self-sufficient in to meet consumer demand, while exporting products, which are less favoured on the UK market, to countries where they are more highly valued. Two-way trade helps allow the market to adapt depending on changing circumstances. This new FTA with Australia is just one part of the trade puzzle.

On the occasion of signature Katrina Walsh, IMTA Policy Director, commented:

“In an unpredictable world where anything from a pandemic to animal disease outbreaks can happen, having access to high quality meat from a range of trade partners, on top of domestic production, is key to maintaining UK food security. The additional duty-free access within this agreement will contribute to that. The signature of this FTA with Australia is a key moment in the UK’s new trade journey, and welcomed by IMTA. We look forward to seeing future progress on UK FTAs with other partners like New Zealand and CPTPP.”

17/12/21