Western Australian rock lobster industry gains increased European access

10/3/04
Premier Geoff Gallop has welcomed a decision by the European Union to enable increased access to the Western Australian rock lobster industry.
Last October the EU approved a 1,500 tonne autonomous trade quota for whole, frozen WA rock lobster until the end of 2003.
This arrangement has now been extended for a further three years enabling potential export sales worth about $37million per year to WA.
Dr Gallop said rock lobsters exported from WA to the EU that used to attract a 12.5 per cent tariff would now attract a tariff of only six per cent for at least the next three years.
"Until now, the WA industry has been faced with a discriminatory tariff regime when selling product to the EU, attracting a tariff of 12.5 per cent, compared with six per cent for comparable species from competitor countries, such as the United States and Canada and three per cent for Mexico and Cuba," he said.
"This tariff concession creates a more level playing field, allowing us extended access to European markets on a competitive basis for the first time."
The Premier said industry representatives and the State Government had waged a sustained campaign for the past five years, with further assistance over the past two years by the Office of the Agent General in London.
Part of the campaign has included personal representations by Dr Gallop to British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
"The State Government has contributed more than $50,000 over the past two years to assist the industry in its campaign, which has also been supported by the Australian ambassadors in major European countries," the Premier said.
"It is now important for us to keep negotiating with the relevant EU officials to gain even better access at reduced tariff rates for live and chilled product.
"With this latest EU decision, the Western Rock Lobster industry is well placed to further entrench its status as one of the world's best managed commercial fisheries."
Premier's office: 9222 9475