2018~2019年,中澳自由贸易协定的实施已进入第五个年头,随着新一轮降税的实现,中澳两国间的双边贸易持续快速发展,尤其是澳对华农产品的出口大幅度增加。牛羊肉、奶制品、葡萄酒、海鲜、水果等是过去一年来澳对华出口的明星产品,出口量和出口额显著增长。此外,日益富裕的中国消费者对优质轻奢产品也颇感兴趣,澳大利亚生产的奶酪、咖啡、低或无酒精饮料等逐渐打入中国市场。农产品贸易的快速发展给澳大利亚农场主和出口企业带来了相当可观的经济收益,也极大地满足了中国消费者日益增长的消费需求。但是,澳大利亚农产品出口所面临的一系列挑战也是不容忽视的。百年不遇的干旱极大地限制了澳大利亚农业生产的发展,旱情何时缓解仍是未知。此外,澳对华农产品出口也面临着中国经济增长速度逐步放缓、国际农产品巨头争夺中国市场等一系列的挑战。澳大利亚应尽快行动起来,趋利避害,积极采取有效措施提升本国产品的国际竞争力,保持并尽可能地增加澳农产品在中国的市场占有额。展望未来,两国经贸互惠合作前景广阔,农产品贸易将继续保持良好发展态势。
On 1st January 2019,China and Australia launched the fifth round of tariff cuts,pursuant to their Free Trade Agreement(ChAFTA). China cancels tariffs on a wide range of Australian agricultural products,including pork,wine,infant formula,seafood,fruits(except citrus fruits),among others. Tariffs on Australian beef,lamb,and dairy products have also been substantially reduced. As a result,the volume and value of Australia’s agricultural exports have increased;China has become Australia’s top overseas market for agriculture. From 2018 to 2019,Australian beef,lamb,dairy products,wine,seafood,and fruits are among some of the biggest winners. Other products such as Australian cheese,coffee,and low and non-alcoholic beverages have also become increasingly popular among Chinese consumers. Tariff reduction under the ChAFTA brings enormous economic benefits to Australian farmers and exporters;it also satisfies Chinese consumers’ growing demand for high quality food. Nevertheless,Australian agricultural export faces a number of challenges. Crippling drought has hit many parts of Australia,reducing agricultural output and incomes and causing significant distress to many rural families across the country. Moreover,China’s economic growth is gradually slowing down,which means its market demand for import may not grow as fast as it used to be. Besides,how to gain and maintain a competitive advantage in the Chinese market remains an ongoing battle for Australia.
Despite these challenges,this research predicts a promising future for China-Australia agricultural trade. It also acknowledges that there is much work to be done in order to increase Australian agricultural products’ market share in China.