The worst-kept secret in New Zealand trade has been confirmed – our apples will be allowed into Australia by order of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

The WTO verdict – which was leaked in April – overturns a longstanding ban by Australia, which claimed our apples could carry the disease fireblight.

Trade Minister Tim Groser is welcoming the news and says a pending Australian appeal is no cause for concern.

“This means a further delay but my attitude in trade issues is only the long term matters finally for New Zealand. We’ve waited 80 years for this, if it takes another nine months so be it.”

Pipfruit New Zealand chief executive Peter Beaven says even the worst-case economic scenario would be worth billions to our apple industry.

“Even if it’s a low figure, over a 60 year period, even on today’s sales price rates, it’s still $2b worth of trade for us.  So this is actually quite significant.”

Mr Beaven says the Australian decision could pave the way into the lucrative Chinese market, which also has fireblight concerns.

“We’ve got access to China but it’s under quite restrictive terms, and one of the actionable pests which is a problem for us is fireblight. We think that this is now going to resolve this and fireblight will be removed from the table as one of the pests of concern for China.”

He says as much as 10% of New Zealand’s apple exports could go across the Tasman.