Australian Citrus Growers Pleased by AUSFTA

SYDNEY - Feb 10/04 - SNS -- Australian Citrus Growers Inc (ACG) were pleased by the results of the free trade negotiation between Australia and the United States and hope the AUSFTA wins the approval of both the U.S. congress and Australian parliament.

"This will result in the immediate elimination of the US1.9c/kg tariff placed on Australian citrus exports," said association president Peter Davidson.

"Considering US citrus has been entering Australia tariff-free for quite some time, the FTA has given us the opportunity to negotiate the same. This should result in a saving of around $670,000 for our industry based on 2002/03 exports".

Davidson congratulated the Australian negotiators and in particular Horticulture Australia Ltd (HAL) who coordinated the response on behalf of Australia's horticultural industries. John Webster, Managing Director and Stephen Winter, Market Access Coordinator were in Washington DC during the final round of negotiations in order to secure the best possible outcome for horticulture.

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