AUSVEG has expressed approval following the finalisation of the Australia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (AUUAE-CEPA).
The organisation stated that the agreement will enhance and secure one of Australia’s largest export markets for vegetables.
The peak industry body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion sectors commended both the Australian and UAE governments for completing negotiations on the deal, which is expected to facilitate trade growth and liberalization between the two countries.
In 2023, Australia exported nearly 40,000 tonnes of vegetables to the UAE, valued at $34 million, making the UAE the second-largest export market for Australian vegetables by value and the largest by volume. This included 33,000 tonnes of carrots, over 4,200 tonnes of onions, and nearly 2,000 tonnes of potatoes.
AUSVEG CEO Michael Coote noted that the agreement marks a significant step in the ongoing trading relationship between Australia and the UAE.
“The UAE is a key and valued long-term trading partner for the Australian vegetable industry,” said Coote.
“This deal is an important step that will lock in and underpin the vegetable industry’s ability to trade competitively in a UAE market, where Australian exporters currently enjoy tariff free trade for most fresh vegetables.
“Australia’s vegetable industry warmly welcomes the securing of the AUUAE-CEPA and congratulates the Australian and UAE governments for reaching this agreement.
“AUSVEG is strongly supportive of the Australian Government’s ongoing efforts to develop further trade deals, its trade liberalisation agenda, and any further attempts to expand existing trade deals into the future.”
AUSVEG is the national peak industry body representing over 3,600 vegetable, potato, and onion producers in Australia. Together, they produce 3.6 million tonnes of vegetables each year, contributing $5.8 billion in farmgate value.
This represents one-third of Australia’s total horticulture industry, valued at $16.2 billion.