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Seafood Industry Australia (SIA), the national peak-body representing Australia’s commercial seafood industry, has welcomed the announcement of the Australia-India interim free trade agreement as the industry works to diversify their markets. 

“This announcement marks a period of renewed growth and opportunity for the Australian seafood industry, and we look forward to building strong and vibrant relationships with Indian seafood consumers,” SIA CEO Veronica Papacosta said. 

“Today (AU-time), prime minister Scott Morrison signed an interim trade deal between Australia and India. Ultimately, this landmark deal will secure an elimination of tariffs for Australian seafood products. As an industry we have been working hard over the past two years to diversify our markets to ensure we have a resilient export strategy. This announcement provides a significant leap forward in market access to India’s population of 1.3 billion people, which is welcomed by the Australian seafood industry. 

“Importantly, there will be an elimination of the 30% tariff on entry into force for fresh rock lobsters and elimination of tariffs over seven years for other fresh, frozen and processed seafood products including Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon, tuna and frozen rock lobster.

“Our Great Australian Seafood producers will now have access to millions of potential Indian customers through retail, hospitality and foodservice channels who value our safe, sustainably produced Great Australian Seafood. While Indian consumers will now have better access to some of the greatest seafood in the world. 

“Australia is a world leader in sustainable fisheries management. For the eighth consecutive year our Commonwealth-managed fisheries have been given the tick of sustainability. This is something our commercial fishers are very proud of, and is unprecedented internationally. Coupled with our aquaculture sector who provide fresh, high-quality seafood, year-round – Australian seafood is one of the best managed, healthiest and most sustainable protein sources in the world.

“We applaud Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Trade Minister Dan Tehan and our negotiation team on an improved set of market access outcomes. The India trade agreement will create new and needed opportunities for Australia’s seafood producers in a high-value market. The Coalition has provided unwavering support for the Australian seafood industry throughout the COVID-19 economic crisis. SIA, on behalf of our members and the entire Australian seafood industry, extends thanks to all parties who worked hard to action this deal which will help keep Australian seafood businesses and jobs afloat, and put our Great Australian Seafood on Indian tables.

“We’d also like to acknowledge the hard work of the Seafood Trade Advisory Group, the Seafood Export Consultative Committee and all members of the Australian seafood industry who have worked tirelessly with the government to help secure this deal.”

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For more information or to organise an interview with SIA CEO Veronica Papacosta

please contact SIA communications and public affairs manager Jessica McInerney

E: [email protected] M: 0420 695 431