Trade between the UK, Australia and New Zealand examined
23 May 2018
The International Trade Committee holds its first evidence session for its inquiry into Trade and the Commonwealth: Australia and New Zealand, taking evidence from the dairy and meat sectors.
- Watch Parliament TV: Trade and the Commonwealth: Australia and New Zealand
- Inquiry: Trade and the Commonwealth: Australia and New Zealand
- International Trade Committee
Witnesses
Wednesday 23 May, Committee Room 16, House of Commons
At 9.45am
- Peter Dawson, Policy and Sustainability Director Dairy UK
- Kevin Roberts, Chairman, HCC – Meat Promotion Wales
- Liz Murphy, Chief Executive, The International Meat Trade Association
- David Richmond, Trade Strategy Manager, Fonterra Co-operative Group
Trade with Australia
Prior to joining the EEC in 1973, the UK was Australia's most significant trading partner, with considerable trade in dairy and meat products. Since the 1970s Australia has focused on and expanded trade in other markets, most notably East Asia.
The UK is still Australia's single largest market for beef and sheepmeat exports within the EU, and there is also trade in dairy products between the two countries; in 2016, the UK exported 3,201 tonnes of dairy to Australia, and imported 4 tonnes.
Trade with New Zealand
In 2015, UK exports to New Zealand were worth £1.0 billion, with imports from New Zealand valued at £1.3 billion. Consumer demand means almost half of the lamb legs that New Zealand exports come to the UK.
Purpose of the session
The Committee will examine the importance of trade between the UK, Australia and New Zealand, with a particular focus on the dairy, cattle and sheep industries. It will also consider possibilities for future trading relationships between the UK and Australia and New Zealand.
Further information
Image: Creative commons