AgForce Queensland welcomes the conclusion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and congratulates the Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Robb for a job well done.

AgForce General President Grant Maudsley said the TPP will improve market access for Queensland's cattle, sheep and grain commodities by reducing trade barriers and creating new export opportunities for our high quality food and fibre.

"Under the TPP market access outcomes will build on existing trade agreements and includes the USA, Japan and Canada which are some of the biggest economies," Mr Maudsley said.

"The Partnership will eliminate 98 per cent of tariffs on Australian exports to TPP countries and provides the opportunity over time to include other economies in the Asia-Pacific.

"Queensland's producers currently face a range of tariff and non-tariff barriers. The reduced tariffs and greater certainty on rules means more market opportunities and more investment.

"This will mean more jobs and growth in rural areas that are currently battling the effects of drought."

Under the TPP:

• Beef tariffs to Japan will be reduced to 9%, well below those negotiated under the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (JAEPA)
• The beef industry will have better access to Japan, Canada, Mexico and Peru and will result in the elimination of price safeguards in the United States
• Tariffs on sheep meat exports will be eliminated for all TPP countries under the agreement, with the exception of Mexico which will be eliminated in eight years' time
• The grain industry will get a boost from the creation of new quota columns for wheat and barley exports to Japan under the simultaneous buy-sell mechanism
• The grain industry will be provided a new quota access for roasted malt exports, while tariffs on exports of Australian wheat and barley to Mexico will be eliminated
• All remaining tariffs on Australian raw wool to TPP countries from day one of the agreement coming into effect and also deliver improved rules of origin for textiles, which will encourage greater demand for Australian fibre products.

"There is no doubt this agreement will improve trading conditions for Australian farmers." Mr Maudsley said.

The TPP is a multi-country Trade Agreement between Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Japan, the United States, Vietnam, Mexico and Canada.

Media Contact: Sarah Henderson on 0427 626 853
Andrew Berkman on 0429 128 637