Tariffs
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Clothing & finished textiles
34
31
28
25
25
25
25
25
17.5
Cotton sheeting & fabrics
22
19
17
15
15
15
15
15
10
Sleeping bags, table linen
13
12
11
10
10
10
10
10
7.5
Carpet
21
19
17
15
15
15
15
15
10
Footwear
24
21
18
15
15
15
15
15
10
Footwear parts
17
14
12
10
10
10
10
10
7.5
Other (eg. yarns, leather)
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
Note: Tariff reductions occur on 1 July annually. Reductions in 2005
will apply from 1 January.
Import Credit Scheme to terminate, as scheduled, on 30 June 2000.
Action Agendas
Develop forward looking action agendas with industry for wool, cotton,
leather, and fashion to identify what can be done to make more use
of Australia's natural advantages and skills in these areas.
These agendas will identify specific measures that can be taken to
promote stronger investment and innovation and to improve our access
to international markets.
Investment
A new TCF Investment Programme designed to encourage TCF companies
to become more internationally competitive and better exploit Australia's
natural advantage in raw materials such as wool and cotton.
Innovation
Establish a $10 million TCF Technology Development Fund to promote
the development of new technology related to the use of Australian
materials.
Provide up to $10 million for the establishment of a national centre
of excellence for TCF training.
Market Development
Establish a TCF Market Development Programme with funding of $2.5
million per year to develop and implement firm based strategies to
increase export capabilities.
Overseas Assembly Programme
Continue the Overseas Assembly Programme and extend to provide improved
access by including:
* conversion offshore of cut or uncut fabrics and leather into
finished goods; and
* some post assembly operations to be undertaken overseas.
TCF Policy By-Laws
Provision for duty free importation to continue, but anomalies with
existing TCF by-law and tariff concessions to be examined.
Adjustment Assistance
Use existing programmes for regional adjustment and other appropriate
programmes to provide assistance for displaced TCF workers.
Review
There will be a review in 2005 which will take account of our APEC
commitments and progress on market access.