Two reports released by ABARES highlight the strong export performance of two key agricultural commodities to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries following biosecurity market access.
Executive Director of ABARES Dr Jared Greenville said the reports, Australia’s biosecurity market access and agricultural exports, examined two key case studies: cattle and citrus exports.
“The report shows how Australian producers have been able to benefit from access to growing international markets,” Dr Greenville said.
“The real value of Australia’s exports of oranges and mandarins to ASEAN countries almost tripled from $41 million in 2009–10 to $120 million in 2019–20.
“Meanwhile, in 2019–20, the value of Australia’s cattle exports was $1.9 billion, with 65 per cent going to ASEAN countries.
“Growth in both commodities has been underpinned by Australia’s negotiation of biosecurity market protocols, which are necessary to get our goods into other countries. Producers have also benefited from Australia’s seven free trade agreements (FTAs) with ASEAN countries, which lowers trade barriers.
“But it’s more than just FTAs at play here. Increased citrus trade over the past decade has been built on enhancing Australia’s reputation for providing high-quality and safe fresh citrus fruit.
“Biosecurity reform and strengthening the citrus industry’s self-regulation since 2008 have been important developments.
“A strong biosecurity system has helped Australia maintain a reputation as a supplier of high-quality cattle. The biosecurity system underpins confidence in destination markets about the quality of our product.
“In the cattle industry, other key drivers of success have been the Australian cattle industry’s ability to recognise customer requirements and adapt its products to growing demand in ASEAN countries.
“The citrus and cattle trade improves consumer choice and allows for improved nutrition in ASEAN countries as consumers shift towards a more balanced diet of protein, and fresh fruit and vegetables.
“The reports offer important lessons that other exporters can take from the success of these two commodities.”
Read the Australia’s biosecurity market access and agricultural exports reports here:
