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MAFTA online tool gives exporters certainty over tariffs

01 Aug 2013

The Australian Government has created a new online tool to help exporters assess tariffs under the Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA).

MAFTA, which took effect at the start of 2013, has sharply reduced tariffs on many Australian goods exported to Malaysia. However, remaining tariffs vary between products.

The MAFTA Tariff Finder delivers certainty to exporters selling goods to Malaysia, where nearly 98 per cent of Australian goods are now eligible for tariff-free treatment. The percentage will rise to 99 per cent in 2017, and the tariff finder will be updated as remaining tariffs drop.

“The MAFTA Tariff Finder is a practical tool that will support the development of businesses between Malaysian and Australian companies,” the Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, HE Miles Kupa, said in at the launch of the calculator in Kuala Lumpur.

“It will also assist Malaysian companies in sourcing more cost-effective goods and manufacturing inputs from Australia,” Mr Kupa said.

MAFTA also provides benefits for service providers by allowing majority ownership across areas including education, finance and professional services.

Australia has eliminated all remaining tariffs on originating goods from Malaysia as a result of the agreement.