Mexico to eliminate kiwifruit tariff

17/11/2011 12:00 - 446 Views

Mexico has announced it will eliminate its 20 per cent tariff on kiwifruit imports saving the New Zealand industry $1 million a year.

New Zealand Trade Minister Tim Groser said the announcement by Mexican Secretary of the Economy, Bruno Ferrari, will open new possibilities for commercial relationships between the two countries.

"This has been a tough time for New Zealand growers as they grapple with the effects of PSA on production and this is a little bit of good news for them," Mr Groser said.

"This outcome will represent an immediate saving of $1 million a year to the New Zealand industry, and will clear away a major hurdle in their efforts to expand the market."

Zespri will travel the Mexican state Jalisco, this month to discuss the potential for kiwifruit production there.

Mr Ferrari said co-operation with New Zealand could open an "important new industry to Mexico".

"There is real potential for Mexico to establish a high-quality and viable kiwifruit industry in conjunction with New Zealand that could yield benefits to both countries well into the future," he said.

Source: 3news.co.nz