New year free trade boost for farmers

Australian exporters have started the new year with tariff cuts to 7000 products as a result of free trade deals with China and Korea.

Premium Australian bottled wine, ice cream, seafood, some fruits and nuts are now entering the Chinese market with tariffs less than half that paid by trade competitors.

Fresh cherries, chipping potatoes and liquefied natural gas are entering Korea tariff free.

Macadamia nuts and Brussels sprouts now attract Korean tariffs at least 50 per cent lower than when the agreement came into force just over two years ago.

"These trade agreements have put Aussie exporters in pole position to capitalise on Asia's growing middle class and their increasing demand for the high quality goods and services Australia offers," Trade Minister Steve Ciobo told AAP in a statement.

Among the products receiving tariff cuts from January 1 are cheeses, mangoes, frozen beef and cosmetics and skin care products.