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Almond and Agricultural Traceability

Over the past fortnight Export Council of Australia led a delegation of Malaysian and Australian business leaders through regional Australia as part of an exciting traceability pilot funded by Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

We were joined by several award-winning businesses including The Model Cook Pty Ltd, Miss Coco / Alba Chocolatiers, and First Nations owned award winning Chocolate On Purpose. From visiting the Circle and Haigh’s in Adelaide, Kaurna country to a family farm, a Smart Farm, to large cutting-edge production and processing facilities farms across Loxton, Renmark, Meru, Mildura, Latje Latje and through the Wadi Wadi and Wemba Wemba areas near Swan Hill, we saw traceability and innovation approaches in action.

Highlights of the site visits included:

• Chocolate and almond variety information and sampling
• Innovative and family farms with solar panels, diverse sustainability solutions, smart farming methods and planting techniques to reduce water consumption or improve soil health.
• Advanced processing facilities with automation and traceability technology.

Thanks to the support of Agriculture Victoria, the farmers, processors, production facility operators, and delegates who shared knowledge and expertise to elevate food traceability awareness and action.

Early findings from the project highlights that traceability of Australian almond exports can help strengthen supply chain partnerships with Malaysia. And traceability can empower small scale almond producers seeking to engage directly in global trade, and amplify stories of First Nations and sustainability.

BDO Luncheon: US Tariffs – Strategic Planning

With the ongoing uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariffs, Australian exporters are facing new challenges and opportunities. 🇺🇸🇦🇺

Last Thursday, BDO in Australia, in collaboration with the Export Council of Australia, hosted an insightful luncheon focused on the implications of proposed U.S. trade measures on Australian manufacturers and exporters.

The event was designed to emphasise the critical need for Australian businesses to stay ahead of evolving tariff policies, understand their broader implications in light of the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA), as well as explore new markets and stay competitive.

With expert insights from Leonie Ferretter – Tax, Trade, Customs & Excise Partner in BDO, the discussion shed light on the challenges, opportunities, and strategies for navigating these changes.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to BDO in Australia for hosting this valuable luncheon and for providing a platform to discuss such crucial issues facing Australian exporters today.

A huge thank you to all the business representatives who joined us for this special discussion. We look forward to your continued engagement in ECA’s trade-focused initiatives.
Leon Skaliotis; Michael Elligett; Jeff Cottee; Christian Young; Vincent Candrawinata; Eduard Otter; Demi Stefanova GAICD, MBA, M.Eng., PMP; Ryan Pollett; Steve May; Daniel Coote; Burton Andrews; Dianne Tipping; My Nguyen

Trade Wars Unpacked: Looking Beyond the News Headlines

US trade policies, including the imposition of additional tariffs, are causing major disruptions and uncertainty in global trading rules and dynamics.

To assist Australian exporters gain some clarity, the Export Council of Australia hosted an online briefing Trade Wars Unpacked: Beyond the News Headlines. This event was attended by a range of industry experts and business leaders.

Points raised in the discussion included:

• Be prepared for increased competition in markets beyond the US, as other competitors shift their products and services away from the US.
• To mitigate fluctuations in any given market, it is important to diversify and export to a range of markets.
• When preparing contracts with partners in the US, it is important to be clear about who will be responsible for (the additional) costs.
• It is crucial to weigh all of the risks and costs of moving operations into the US, especially if the US economy slows considerably.
• The government must provide appropriate funding support to SME exporters during these uncertain times.
• In addition to tariffs, expect US authorities to tighten customs regulations, and impose additional paperwork to deter importation.
• Businesses should stay informed, work with champions in the US, and plan for various contingencies (including with foresighting tools such as scenario planning).

Thank you to all of the business representatives who joined us for this timely discussion. We look forward to your continued engagement in ECA’s trade-focused initiatives.