Geraldton Fishermen’s Cooperative keen to see rock lobster head to Britain following free trade agreement

The Geraldton Fishermen’s Cooperative has said it is hopeful it can expand into the British market after a free trade agreement between Australia and the United Kingdom came into effect. On May 31 the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement came into force, lifting tariffs for more than 99 per cent of Australian exports arriving in the UK. The Australian Government has labelled the deal a major win for Australian primary industries, including seafood. While a 12 per cent tarrif will remain for fresh and frozen rock lobster for the moment, the tariff will be eliminated over the next three years. GFC corporate affairs manager Shaun McInnes said the deal would increase the cooperative’s competitiveness in the UK market. “We’ve been in discussions with major UK retailers and wholesalers, where we’ve had a positive response to our products,” Mr McInnes said. “The UK (and the European market more broadly) value our wild-caught sustainability credentials.” Mr McInnes said the co-operative had sent sample shipments to London on Friday as the GFC aimed to build its presence in the UK. “Market development is a marathon, not a sprint, so while we are optimistic, developing a sustained market presence in the UK will take years,” he said. Federal Minister for Trade Don Farrell said the trade agreement was part of the Government’s plans to diversify Australian exports. “This agreement creates new opportunities to deepen and expand trade and investment with one of Australia’s most important and longstanding trading partners,” Mr Farrell said. “The deal will help tackle rising living costs in Australia by removing tariffs on UK-made goods.”