Australia’s grape exports to Thailand are approaching their tariff trigger level for the year, which will raise tariffs from 15 per cent to 30 per cent as per the Thailand Australia Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA).
Table grape exports from Australia to Thailand were at 911.92 tonnes as of 11 February, advised Thailand’s Department of Foreign Trade, 72 per cent of the 2010 trigger level of 1,262.72 tonnes.
Once the trigger level is hit the Thai tariff rate on fresh Australian grapes will change from the current TAFTA preferential rate for 2010 of 15 per cent to the general (most favoured nation) tariff rate of 30 per cent, where it will stay for the rest of the calendar year.
Shipments on their way to Thailand with a contract settled before the trigger is reached will fall under the 15 per cent tariff, but will be counted towards the 2011 trigger levels.
The trigger level system on Australian table grapes exported to Thailand is expected to continue through to 2015 under the TAFTA.
