GrainGrowers welcomes the opportunity to make a submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties inquiry into the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Australia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
GrainGrowers is a national organisation working to enhance the profitability and sustainability of Australian grain farmers. GrainGrowers achieves this through focus areas of policy and advocacy, grower engagement, thought leadership and active investment in future focused activities for all growers. Australian growers are at the heart of all that GrainGrowers does and
the focus of all work.
GrainGrowers supports the ratification of the CEPA between Australia and the UAE.
The UAE represents an important market for trade diversification and gateway to the Middle East for the Australian grain industry. In 2023, canola was Australia’s largest agricultural export to the UAE ($741 million). In addition, the UAE represents a market for pulses ($248 million), and other grain and oilseed exports ($215 million).
The agreement will remove 99% of tariffs on Australian products into the UAE, including removing the 5% tariff on Australian canola, pulses and other grains.
As an export-orientated industry, effective trade agreements are critical for the
Australian grain industry. As some of the least subsidised farmers in the world, Australian growers rely on a free and open trading environment to ‘level the playing field’ and ensure ongoing profitability.
To maximise the full benefits of the agreement, however it is imperative that ongoing efforts are made to ensure its full utilisation including the removal of non-tariff measures (NTMs).
Ensuring sufficient funding for the Agricultural Counsellors Network is a key strategy in addressing NTMs by maintaining vital trade relationships, resolving on-the-ground trade issues and generally, reducing the risks that come with our trade exposure. Agricultural Counsellors provide invaluable insights to industry as well as being an active conduit for maintaining relationships for Australian agriculture.
GrainGrowers welcomes the opportunity to discuss this issue further. Please contact Policy Manager, Trade and Supply chains Annabel Mactier Annabel.Mactier@graingrowers.com.au if you have any questions.