Aushorse Marketing welcomes the news that import tariffs on racehorses into China will be removed as part of the Free Trade Agreement signed by the federal government.

In recent years, China has emerged as an important market for Australian-bred horses and the move to eliminate import duties over the coming four years is a significant moment in developing further trade between the two countries.

In 2013, some 106 thoroughbreds were exported from Australia to China, while this year 157 horses have already been exported to the Asian powerhouse.

“This deal is a real win for the breeding industry in Australia as China is one of the countries in our region which may well expand its demand for bloodstock in the future,” said Tom Reilly, Chief Executive Officer of Aushorse and TBA.

“There has been an increasing awareness of horseracing and breeding in China recently and the removal of tariffs will ensure that Australian horses can compete with other exporting countries on an even playing field.

“Importantly, this development means that should the Chinese government ever seek to develop a large-scale racing industry Australia, with our large horse population and reputation for excellence, will be in pole position to provide the bulk of those horses.”

Aushorse, a non-profit industry organisation founded with the aim of promoting the Australian Thoroughbred both domestically and overseas, has been lobbying the federal government to work towards having these tariffs removed since 2009.