N.Z.-Aust. deal on furniture

Press, 18 December 1976, Page 10

N.Z.-Aust. deal on furniture

PA Wellington. Furniture trade between New Zealand and Australia has been included in schedule B of the limited free trade agreement (N-A.F.T.A.) between the two countries.

Announcing this, the minister of Trade and Industry (Mr Adams-Schnei-der), said that this meant furniture could be traded between the two countries free of duty, but subject to other conditions such as quotas. The items could also be traded on a partial “duty phase-out basis.”

Under the arrangement agreed between the two Governments, New Zealand furniture exports to Australia will be restricted to S2M a year, while imports from Australia will

be limited to $500,000 a vear.

The level of trade will be reviewed annually. The announcement has been heartily welcomed by Mr J. L. Simpson, executive director of the Australian Council of Furniture Manufacturers.

The council was “quite happy” with the agreement)

“New Zealand will be able to provide us with what it does best, and Australians will be able to get into the New Zealand market, offering variety,” said Mr Simpson. “In securing components for our manufacturers we would prefer to deal with New Zealand than with other countries, and we will work hard to make this agreement work.”