EU cuts tariffs on hoki

By LIBBY MIDDLEBROOK

Seafood companies are likely to earn more in European markets this year after a reduction in tariffs on frozen hoki imports.

European fisheries ministers this week agreed to lower tariffs on 20,000 tonnes of frozen hoki imports from around the world until the end of the year.

New Zealand produces most of that hoki, and Seafood Industry Council spokesman Alastair Macfarlane said the country's annual $100 million hoki export business would benefit by at least $4 million by 2002.

"The European decision will significantly reduce the costs of tariffs faced by New Zealand's growing seafood trade to Europe," he said.

"The European tariff quotas are a recognition that Europe must import seafood to feed consumer demand.

"High tariffs only end up in high prices for consumers, which is to no one's advantage."

European officials are expected to further improve access for seafood imports next year, cutting the duty on hoki to about 3.5 per cent on unlimited quantities.

Trade Minister Jim Sutton and Fisheries Minister Pete Hodgson said the yearly negotiation of a tariff rate quota would soon be a thing of the past.

"Our industry will soon be able to export to the EU as much as it can sell."