Further restrictions on the export of potatoes to Thailand lifted

Thailand has now implemented zero tariffs and the removal of tariff-rate quotas that limited access for Australian seed and processing potatoes.

Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said the removal of limits was a boost for potato farmers.

"This is an important market access improvement for the Australian potato industry," Minister Littleproud said.

"In addition to being exempt from tariffs, Australian farmers can now export seed and processing potatoes at any time of the year.

"This is a fantastic outcome for our producers and exporters who already have well-established relationships with Thai buyers."

Last year, Thailand was Australia's second-largest potato export market, at $4.6 million, and the removal of remaining constraints could only help exports.

"Our seed potatoes are used by Thai farmers to grow potatoes locally while processing potatoes are used to make products like potato chips," Mr Littleproud said

Processing potatoes produced in all states are permitted to import into Thailand subject to phytosanitary requirements.

Seed potatoes from South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia are currently approved by Thailand's Department of Agriculture to be exported to Thailand.

Tariffs for Australian seed and processing potatoes have decreased,on an annual basis from 27 per cent, in 2005 to zero in 2020 under TAFTA.

Previously, exports of Australian seed and processing potatoes to Thailand were constrained, with a limited volume (just under 115 tons in 2019) able to access the beneficial TAFTA tariffs.

Thailand was Australia's second largest potato export market in 2019 ($AUD4.6m) after the Republic of Korea.

In 2019, Thailand was Australia's 11th largest export market for vegetables.

Have you signed up to Stock & Land's daily newsletter? Register below to make sure you are up to date with everything that's important to Victorian agriculture.