Australian Tuna on US Supermarket Shelves Thanks to AUSFTA

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Mark Vaile says consumers in the United States will now be able to enjoy Australian canned tuna thanks to South Australian exporter, Port Lincoln Tuna Processors, and improved market access delivered by the Australia-US Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA).

Mr Vaile says, “Following the introduction of the AUSFTA in January 2005, tariffs on over 50 seafood items were eliminated. Prior to the AUSFTA, the 35 per cent tariff on Australian product effectively prevented Australian producers from accessing the $900 million US canned tuna market”.

“This is an excellent example of how free trade agreements lead to real gains for Australians. The Port Lincoln area is set to benefit from export income because of the elimination of this tariff. FTAs make good Australian products even more competitive,” Mr Vaile said.

With assistance from Austrade, Florida-based importer Aussie Imports has partnered with Port Lincoln Tuna Processors to import and market the canned tuna range in the United States under the ‘G’Day Gourmet’ brand.

Six flavours of G’Day Gourmet canned tuna will be available from this month in Whole Foods Market stores across the United States. Aussie Imports expects the G’Day Gourmet canned tuna brand to be launched in other US supermarkets in coming months, with more Australian specialty foods to follow.

Mr Vaile said, “There is increasing interest in Australian food products in the US and we envisage our high quality food will be embraced by American consumers with the same enthusiasm as Australian wines”.

Contact: Mr Vaile's Office 02 6277 7420, Departmental 02 6261 1555, Austrade 02 9390 2701