N.A.F.T.A. claim ‘misleading’
[PA Wellington! The statement bv the Aus-’ tralian Senior Trade Commissioner (Mr Eric Hallli • about the recent increase of | duties on leather wallets imported from New Zealand) misinterpreted the principles ’’and the spirit of the N A.F.T.A. agreement, said j the president of the ManuIfacturers Federation (Mr L. Brown). “Mr Hall states that leather 'wallets are not included in I the free-trade agreement. In [fact, except for a few agricultural products, all trade between Australia and New [Zealand is conducted within 'the framework of the, N. X.F.I .A. agreement. | whether under one of the schedules to the agreement! [or under the general provi-' |sions whereby each country extends duty preferences to’ .the other.” he said. i “Secondly, my federation is .not aware of any instance ■ where New Zealand has i specifically increased duties against Australia on part of! ia tariff item solely for the purpose of protection against Australian imports. , “Thirdly, Mr Hall also stated that there were many • cases where New Zealand' [imposed duties in excess of ;10 per cent above those.
i applied on any developing i low-cost country. This claim is largely incorrect and most misleading. In general, Aus-, ■ itralian goods either pay no! more duty than the develop-, ing counties, or enjoy duty, ipreferences ranging as high! as 22.5 per cent. “In establishing this pat-| tern New Zealand has, I’ believe, bent over backwards to honour both the spirit and, I intent of the N.A.F.T.A ‘ agreement.
“We have found onlv five! cases where the dutv margin’ o’ Australian goods exceeds the duty level on goods frontdeveloping countries by 10 per cent, and we know of no, cases where this situation has| c cated difficulties for Australia or where Australia has | made representations to the| ’New Zealand Government. To that extent there is no paral jlc’ to what Australia has done in the leather wallets case.
“I am pleased that the Minister of Trade and Industt (Mr Adams-Schneider) ha- confirmed that further discussions will be held on the subject, which is of great ! concern to New Zealand manufacturers. Under the circumstances, the matter is best left for the two Govern ments to find a solution,” said Mr Brown,
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Press, 23 February 1977, Page 3
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364N.A.F.T.A. claim ‘misleading’ Press, 23 February 1977, Page 3
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