New Zealand begins the fourth round of negotiations towards a free trade agreement (FTA) with South Korea, a key export market for New Zealand's red meat sector.

 

FTAs are critical to providing improved access to markets and ensuring the ongoing competitiveness of New Zealand sheep and beef exports in key markets, said Meat & Wool New Zealand Chief Executive, Scott Champion.

 

"Korea is also an important export destination for US and Australian red meat and co-products. The US has already concluded FTA negotiations with Korea, and Australia is currently in FTA negotiations, so a potential NZ-Korea FTA will enable NZ meat exporters to compete on a level playing field," he added.

 

Meat & Wool New Zealand supports the government's FTA negotiations by providing background information and analysis on the sheep and beef sector that negotiators use when they discuss market access for agricultural products.

 

"We are also actively looking to capitalise on any new opportunities that will benefit our farmers in the future. Our promotional work in Korea focuses on creating demand and premium positioning, by differentiating NZ grass-fed beef from the products offered by key competitors, enhancing awareness of NZ grass-fed beef among consumers, and positioning it as inherently distinct from other beef supplied to the market," said Champion.