Better barley access just the start as ag trade ramps up

The Albanese Government is putting the runs on the board in 2023 to ensure Australian farmers, processors and exporters have the best possible access to international markets.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said the first half of this year had been very successful in opening the sector to new markets, improving and maintaining existing markets, and restoring access if it has been lost.

“The Albanese Government is committed to protecting and growing our agricultural trade market,” Minister Watt said.

“Across Australia one in four jobs relies on trade so access to international markets is essential for the profitability of Australia’s export-focussed agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors.

“Since coming to government I’ve made growing trade and market access for agriculture one of my key priorities, so it has been wonderful to see such incredible progress in a short amount of time.”

Minister Watt said India continues to be a fruitful trading partner for Australian agriculture.

“During my recent trip to India, it was great to see such co-operation between our two countries,” he said.

“The recent Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) has seen improved conditions and new market access opened to enable trade of Australian Hass avocados and Indian okra fruit between the countries.

“Under the AI-ECTA, we have also successfully removed tariffs on Australian sheep meat, rock lobster, wool, most woods and pulps, and hides and skins.”

Minister Watt said market access for Australian products was improving in a number of different countries around the world.

“The recently signed UK-FTA is already proving beneficial to Aussie farmers,” he said.

“The first shipment of raw sugar was loaded in Townsville and sent to the United Kingdom last month, with that new market worth more than $74 million to the sugar industry alone.

“We have also had success with Thailand opening market access for Australian avocados from Western Australia and for Thai cooked duck meat.

“Most recently there have been positive developments in the reinstatement of trade in timber and the removal of tariffs from Australian barley to China.

“We have also improved access for dairy to Chile through the removal of periodic in-country audits, and new access for seafood to Israel.

“Last year we recorded 107 technical market access achievements worth a potential $5.47 billion and 2023 is continuing to advance these successes.

Recent key achievements include: 

• Gaining new market access for Australian peaches and nectarines to Vietnam, resulting in more than $1 million of exports. Stonefruit exports to Vietnam are expected to grow in coming years. This achievement complements the 0% tariff now available to Australian exporters under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
• Working with industry to safeguard Australia’s $14.7 billion red meat export industry.
• Supporting Australian infant formula exporters to access the United States, leading to more than $19 million of infant formula exports.
• Improving access for Australian poultry meat exports to Singapore, which contributed to a 106% increase in exports.