WSTA in post-Brexit trade talks with Oz and NZ

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has struck up discussions with industry representatives in Australia and New Zealand with regards to post-Brexit trade agreements.

The WSTA believes it must “take action now” to discuss free trade agreements post-Brexit

Ahead of the WSTA’s Annual Conference today, the organisation said its prospective model trade agreements for wine and spirits could “become global blueprints” to be rolled out after the UK exits the European Union.

“It’s not just the WSTA who want to see the development of model wine and spirit agreements,” said WSTA chief executive Miles Beale. “I was in Australia and New Zealand last month and there was warm and broad-based support for us to work with their industry bodies and government to develop model agreements.

“Trade in wines and spirits is mutually beneficial and all negotiators must and should recognise this. We have no intention of idly waiting around for Brexit to happen we have to take action now. We hope the UK government will welcome our initiative.”

During his trip to Australia, Beale proposed sector-specific trade arrangements – either as standalone agreements, or as part of broader trade deals.

The WSTA said that any “unnecessary barriers” to the two-way wine and spirits trade between Australia / New Zealand and the UK would “see all sides taking a substantial hit to their economies”.

The association’s figures show that the UK is the largest importer and consumer of Australian and New Zealand wines. Meanwhile, UK spirits exports to Australia and New Zealand hit £140m in 2015 – doubling in value since 2010.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May announced last month that she is preparing the ground for free trade deals with Australia and other non-EU countries, but cannot formally enter negotiations until the UK has exited the EU.

The bilateral agreements are backed by Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, who said he was keen to see free trade arrangements with the UK “as soon as possible”.

“[W]hile the UK cannot formally negotiate with the New Zealand and Australian governments yet, the industry can prepare most of the ground in advance,” added Beale. “That is precisely what the WSTA intends doing.”

He continued: “It is important that we act on this as soon as possible to help government make it a reality for our industry. While it will take time to work out our future with the EU countries what we cannot let slide is the opportunity we have to strengthen our relationships with those not tied to the EU.

“At the same time it is crucial that Australia and New Zealand continue to benefit from the same access to the EU market through the UK that they now receive.”