Agricultural Trade Quarterly Briefing July 2021

Read the full newsletter on the Department's website: Agricultural Trade Quarterly Briefing - July 2021.

This publication will brief you on the latest developments in Australian agricultural trade and direct you to the information you need to stay informed in this space. In this issue we draw your attention to exciting changes in the NEXDOC system with the introduction of QR codes, big wins for exporters looking to access Korean markets and progressing in modernising Australia’s meat export regulatory systems.

Milking NEXDOC for all it’s worth

Scan the QR code to learn more about the NEXDOC system.

Dairy exporters are the first to transition to the new Next Export Documentation (NEXDOC) system. NEXDOC is a web-based system that generates digital export documentation more easily. One of the key technologies used in NEXDOC is QR codes.

Learn more about NEXDOC on our website.

Micor user survey

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Manual of Importing Country Requirements (Micor) Have Your Say survey last month. We are currently reviewing feedback. Shortly, we will make even more improvements to make sure that our Micor provides trade information for exporters as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Have a look on Micor to see what’s going on for your industry and export destinations!

Improving plant exports survey

Following a recent survey of plant product exporters, we are now working with stakeholders to identify ways to simplify government processes. This will make it cheaper and quicker to get produce into overseas markets.

Significant modernisation of meat export industry

Our export meat regulatory systems are undergoing significant modernisation as part of the Building a More Competitive Meat Industry initiative. Credit: Shutterstock

We are working across government and industry to modernise the export meat regulatory system. The Building a More Competitive Meat Industry initiative is a $10.9 million investment in Australia’s $16 billion export meat industry that will strengthen our reputation as a provider of high-quality, safe meat.

Small market improvements in South Asia are big wins for Australian producers

Farmers and producers looking to expand their export markets will benefit from our recent work to improve market access in South Asia for grains, pulses, oilseeds and horticulture.

Australian agricultural exports to Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh collectively exceeded $750 million in 2020. These are established markets that know the quality of our produce and have experience working with Australian exporters; however, to make the most of these opportunities, exporters need to develop their market understanding, connections and risk tolerance. We encourage all exporters to leverage the in-country presence of both the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) and Austrade. You can use this network to build in-country relationships, trial shipments, and turn small improvements into big wins.

Indonesia-Australia partnership making its mark

Australian exports are benefiting from reduced tariffs under IA-CEPA. Credit: Shutterstock

The Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) will mark its one-year anniversary on 5 July 2021. Under IA-CEPA, Indonesia and Australia negotiated improved tariff arrangements, from which Australian agriculture exporters are reaping significant rewards.

For example, at 7 June 2021, the value of agricultural goods exported to Indonesia under IA-CEPA’s Tariff Rate Quotas was approximately AU$366 million!

IA-CEPA will not only benefit Australian exporters but will also contribute to development of Indonesia’s agri food sector. Supporting trade and investment, improving market access, and promoting inclusive economic growth in Indonesia are important aims of the partnership agreement.

Find out more about IA-CEPA and the benefits for agricultural exporters at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.

COAC - Strengthening ‘ROK solid’ agricultural trade relationship with Korea

Head of Trade, Market Access and International Division, Chris Tinning, co-chaired the virtual meeting with Director-General Sang-man Lee of Korea's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Credit: DAWE

The Committee On Agricultural Cooperation (COAC) with Korea held its first meeting on 13 April 2021. Established under the Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement (KAFTA), this meeting signals an important milestone in a mutually beneficial trading relationship.

Korea is Australia’s fourth largest export market, valued at $2.9 billion in 2020. In particular, Korean consumers recognise and value Australia’s clean and green environment as the foundation for high-quality food and agricultural products. This means there are opportunities for more Australian exports to supplement Korea’s domestic production, with demand for agri-food products on the rise.

The Agribusiness Expansion Initiative (ABEI) rollout in Korea has seen over 50 Australian exporters receiving one-on-one market entry services in the wine, red meat, seafood and premium packaged foods sectors. Austrade at the Seoul Embassy, supported by DAWE, continues to work closely with key industry associations in Australia.

For more information on export opportunities to Korea, visit the Austrade website.

Modernising food import and export systems through international standards

CCFICS25 – more than 600 delegates from 88 member countries working together to modernise food safety systems and support a profitable and resilient food and agriculture sector. Credit: DAWE

Australia recently hosted more than 600 delegates from 88 member countries for the 25th Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems (CCFICS). The committee made important progress toward modernising the food safety systems that support a profitable and resilient food and agricultural sector.

To find out more about CCFICS visit the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) website.