24 April 2020
COVID-19 UPDATES ON EXPORTS & SUPPLY
NATIONAL
Department of Agriculture Water and Environment (DAWE)
COVID-19 Agricultural Trade Impact Analysis
As of April 2020, the COVID−19 pandemic is placing substantial stress on logistic and supply chain networks, altering product demand and disrupting agricultural trade. Most commodities are affected, however the impact varies by market and commodity. Governments around the world are moving to support farmers and supply chains to facilitate trade and ensure food security. While we expect the underlying demand for agricultural products to remain stable and production to be largely unaffected, prices will likely soften, particularly for products typically sold into the food-service sector.
You can read: ABARES report: Impacts of COVID-19 on Australian agriculture, forestry and fisheries trade
See updates from the Department on agricultural trade implications of COVID-19 here.
Government certification
The DAWE has been focused on the systems and processes that keep trade moving into and out of Australia.
More information on temporary changes to importing country requirements, food safety controls and standards, export verification, approved arrangements and Approved Islamic Organisations can be found here.
Audits with AQIS
- Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, some scheduled audits will be delayed.
- You will be notified by the Department if you were to be audited pre-season.
- Audits will be conducted by a local state auditor, and will not be travelling from interstate.
- The Department is preparing alternative audit regimes where access is not possible to farms. This may include audits via video conference.
International Freight Assistance Mechanism
The Australian Government announced the $110 million International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM) to help high-value, perishable, air-freighted agricultural products reach key overseas markets.
If you rely on air freight to export high-value horticultural products, please complete this online form to inform the Coordinator-General of the key ports of demand for time sensitive air freight, or call 02 6272 2444. This will inform which air freight routes are prioritised by the IFAM.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
Export Finance Australia
Australian exporters impacted by the COVID-19 crisis will now have access to business-saving loans between $250,000 and $50 million under a new $500 million capital facility to be administered by Export Finance Australia.
The new COVID-19 Export Capital Facility will target loans to established and previously profitable exporters who, due to COVID-19, are unable to gain finance from commercial sources.
AusTrade
The COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting business around the globe to differing degrees, and the situation is changing daily.
Exporters are advised to keep abreast of the situation in various locations by using the links on this web page, relying on trusted partners in local markets, or by contacting Austrade on 13 28 78 and following the prompts for ‘Export enquiries’ (within Australia). Visit the page here: COVID-19 updates for exporters
Austrade and DFAT Free Trade Agreement Digital Seminars
Austrade and DFAT are hosting a series of 12 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) Digital Seminars. Webinars will offer information aimed at building the export journey, capturing FTA benefits and recognising market and sector opportunities. View more information and register here.
Australia’s Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Science (ABARES)
Analysis of Australia’s food security and the COVID-19 pandemic
The latest report by ABARES has confirmed Australia has one of the most secure food supplies in the world and is not at risk because of COVID-19.
Australia ranks in the top 10% of countries under the Global Food Security Index defined by the World Food Summit. The index measures 34 criteria covering affordability, availability, quality and safety. You can view the ABARES Analysis of Australia’s food security and the COVID-19 pandemic here, and media release here.
PMA A-NZ
On 22 April 2020, PMA A-NZ hosted a webinar about the impact of COVID-19 on trade opportunities for the fresh produce sector, along with Escavox, Hort Innovation and the Australian Fresh Produce Alliance. See it here. You can also view their list of resources here.
QUEENSLAND
Department of Agriculture, Farming and Fisheries (QDAF)
QDAF is producing a regular Freight and Export Markets bulletin, which can be viewed here.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Export Fundamentals Program
On 29 April 2020, the State Government launched a new Export Fundamentals Program to help emerging and existing exporters successfully market their products and services internationally. The program – designed by the Department for Trade and Investment – will be delivered in partnership with the national employer association and provider of trade and export development services, the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) and South Australian firm Hydra Consulting.
The training program will support South Australian exporters by giving them the tools, connections and confidence to successfully move into international markets. Further information about the program and registration links for upcoming sessions can be found here. View the media release here.
Airfreight out of Adelaide
There is opportunity through IFAM to consider proposals for flights direct from Adelaide, and the South Australian Government is working on this with freight forwarders and the SA Freight Council. Please indicate your interest and give the details of your potential air freight needs directly to the TradeStart adviser for your region, so the Government can make sure these are considered if any ex-Adelaide options can ultimately be facilitated.
Exporters interested in an airfreight consolidation option out of Adelaide should speak with Becky Houston, Market Development Manager, Department for Trade and Investment at becky.houston@sa.gov.au or 0407 734 052.
Please keep close contact with your existing freight forwarders, as they too will become aware of air freight opportunities. Businesses should continue to look at options via other cities (Melbourne is the most common), but consider the ex-Adelaide option when and if it becomes available. At this stage, the South Australian Government is not considering subsidising road freight to other states.
To keep up to date with the latest information on support for South Australian exporters, visit www.dti.sa.gov.au.
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