Australians are being warned to expect higher seafood prices this Easter as demand rises and exports expand under the new Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement.
Speaking in Adelaide last weekend, Trade Minister Don Farrell said the deal would allow premium South Australian produce, including seafood, to enter European markets tariff-free for the first time in decades, opening up billions of dollars in new trade.
“This new free trade agreement represents about $10 billion worth of new sales in the first year of this agreement,” he said.
Industry leaders say the agreement will allow Australian seafood exporters to diversify into Europe, where demand for high-quality produce remains strong.
At the same time, local retailers warn that prices are rising. Arthur Louca, owner of The Fish Man in South Australia, said Easter seafood demand remains strong, but shoppers should expect around a 20 per cent increase due to supply pressures, including the impact of algal blooms.
“Over Easter we will be paying top dollar but we try to hold our prices,” he said.
Popular Easter choices such as prawns, snapper and King George whiting are expected to remain in high demand, even as prices climb.
Source: The Advertiser
