Industry notes impact on subsidised import duty.
Associations praise Government moves
By RACHNA LAL
The recently-introduced 32 per cent duty on imported subsidised pork products has been labelled as having had a major impact on stabilising the pig industry in the country.
Chairman of the Pig Association and Executive Chairman of the Fiji Crop and Livestock Council, Simon Cole, said the associations were grateful to Government for imposing the duty on subsidised imports.
He said because of this, farmers are again able to sell their pigs.
“We would also like to thank our customers who are again buying more local pork. Our industry is breathing again,” he said.
“Our target has always been the subsidised overseas pork product sold at prices far below what we can charge.
“With the import duty now in place these products have virtually disappeared from our markets.
“They were killing our industry but we now have an effective weapon to ensure they do not return and that is the 32 per cent duty.”
Fresh Australian pork
But Mr Cole is urging Government to ensure that not only the farmers but also the consumers and the hotel industry are treated fairly.
“We are asking that Government allows fresh pork from Australia, that is not subsidised and in no way a threat to our industry, to be brought into Fiji under concession with no 32 per cent duty,” he said.
“We have always needed pig imports from Australia to provide the support our butchers require when we cannot satisfy demand from our customers and the hotel industry.
“This is especially true for the specific cut of pork needed to make bacon.”
Mr Cole said with the success of the Government’s efforts, their production again has the opportunity to grow but supply will definitely fall short of demand during the upcoming holiday season.
“Unfortunately, if an import duty of 32 per cent is imposed against these specific unsubsidised products, consumers will pay more or buy less pork,” he said.
“This will not happen if concessions are given.”