South Korea is a potentially lucrative market for Australian egg farmers, as they have an undersupply after culling hens to manage an avian influenza outbreak.

First Assistant Secretary of the department’s Exports Division, Greg Read, said the department had worked hard to quickly secure the market access when this significant opportunity for Australian egg farmers arose.

“Together, we have agreed market access protocols for fresh Australian eggs into South Korea and made it operational,” Mr Read said. “Industry figures suggest that South Korea is in need of 180 million eggs each week. This market has only just opened for Australian egg producers, with the first shipments from Australian exporters now distributed across the food service industry in Korea.

“This is an example of what can be achieved when two countries work together to deliver a mutually beneficial outcome.

“This is a win for Australia’s $700 million egg industry, with farmers able to help meet this strong demand, and for consumers in South Korea, who get to enjoy fresh Australian eggs.”

“The South Korean Government has applied a Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) of 35,000MT with a zero tariff on eggs until at least 30 June 2017. The temporary measures will enable shell egg exports to enter the Korean market quickly.”