Media release

11 March 2004 - MVT16/2004

Improved Access to the EU for Australian Rock Lobster

The European Union's decision to adopt a new tariff quotas regime for some fisheries products for the period 2004-2006 will open the way for increased access to EU markets for Australian exporters of rock lobster, Trade Minister Mark Vaile said today.

"The EU's decision to apply a lower tariff on rock lobster for a specified three-year period until December 2006 is most welcome," Mr Vaile said.

"Australian exporters now have a very good opportunity to plan and take full advantage of improved access to this lucrative market."

Under the arrangement, the EU has granted an autonomous tariff quota (ATQ) enabling the annual import of 1500 tonnes of frozen rock lobster (Palinurus spp, Panulirus spp, Jasus spp) for further processing at six per cent duty well down from the usual 12.5 per cent tariff. An ATQ is a temporary exemption or reduction in the tariff rate for a specific period of time in this case, a three-year period from January 2004 to December 2006.

Following an intensive lobbying effort in Europe, and close cooperation between the Australian Government and industry, the EU granted a similar ATQ last October for rock lobster imports covering calendar year 2003. However, this effectively meant the tariff reduction applied only to the final three months of that year.

"This latest success comes on top of gains made in recent years in securing better market access for prawns into the EU," Mr Vaile said.

"The Government remains committed to working closely with the seafood industry on its priority interests in opening up markets and promoting Australia as a clean, green and sustainable vendor of quality seafoods."

In 2003, Australian exports of rock lobster were valued at $435 million, mainly to Hong Kong, USA and Japan. In the same year, Australian exports to the EU were worth $8 million. This represents nearly an 80 per cent increase over 2002 when rock lobster exports to the EU totalled $4.5 million.

Media contact: Matthew Doman (Canberra) +612 6277 7420