CPTPP Dispute Panel Called as NZ Dairy Exporters 'locked out' of Canada

NewstalkZB

November 7, 2022

Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor is claiming New Zealand dairy exporters are being unfairly “locked out” of the Canadian market, worth almost $70 million over two years, and is calling for a panel to hear the dispute.

New Zealand first lodged its concern in May regarding Canada’s administration of dairy tariff rate quotas (TRQs) under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

A TRQ allows a certain amount of a product (the quota) to be imported with lower import taxes (tariffs).

“Canada is not living up to the commitments it made under CPTPP to allow dairy products into Canada,” O’Connor said.

“This is impacting New Zealand exporters, who remain effectively locked out of the Canadian market, and Canadian consumers, who are missing out on the increased consumer choice that CPTPP promises.”

The value to New Zealand of the lost market access was estimated to be approximately $68 million over the first two years, and was expected to increase year-on-year as the size of these quotas increased under CPTPP.