The Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement offers access to the UK market that Australian agricultural producers have not seen in generations.

Cattle Australia has welcomed the decision to enter into force a free trade agreement between our two countries.

The landmark trade deal is to come into effect by the end of May, removing barriers for Australian beef producers trading with the UK.

The agreement will enable up to 35,000 tariff-free tonnes of eligible Australian beef in the UK market in year one, rising in equal instalments to 110,000 tonnes in year 10, until the trade is fully liberalised in 2038.

Cattle Australia Chair, David Foote, said the deal was a credit to all involved.

“I want to recognise the work of the Australian Government over many years for their commitment to make this a reality,” Mr Foote said.

“This has also taken considerable work from industry, with Cattle Australia and MLA (Meat & Livestock Australia) working through the UK Red Meat Industry Access Taskforce to make sure this deal delivers further opportunities for Australian beef producers.

“Australia remains a world leader in producing high-quality, healthy, and sustainable beef, underpinned by our world-leading traceability systems to achieve our customers’ expectations.

“As such, Cattle Australia is urging the UK Government to recognise Australia’s highly developed industry systems in managing and tracking HGP (Hormonal growth promotants) treatments in cattle.

“This agreement will see much more Australian beef on the menu in the UK.

“The free trade agreement will also help to further diversify our export markets and a growing list of countries with which we enjoy free trade access.”