Increased freight costs, late deliveries and cancelled orders. These are issues an importer does not want to have to deal with at any time of year. Now we are into Peak Season Shipping – the most difficult period to navigate these challenges. Traditionally, the peak season spans from August to October, however challenging situations brought […]
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TOP TIPS FOR DEALING WITH STINK BUGS
As an importer, the last thing you want is a case of the creepy-crawlies. If you bring in goods by sea freight, you will be aware that there is an annual seasonal alert for Stink Bugs that hide inside shipping containers and cargo. The bug, known officially as Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) is one […]
Exporters: Are You Missing Out on Government Grants?
Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) are available from the government to help Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with a turnover of less than $20 million to grow their exports in international markets. This year grant sizes are being increased significantly so that eligible Australian businesses will now be able to receive allocations ranging from $20,000 […]
Nicotine Pouches and Snus are the New Vapes
More than 6.5 million nicotine pouches have been seized by the Australian Border Force (ABF) between 01 January and 30 August this year. This smokeless product, along with a similar pouch called Snus or Sys, has become the new Vape for young people. The spike coincides with the federal government’s ban on single-use vapes, which […]
Deal with UK and USA on Supply Chain Resilience
On Monday 09 September 2024, the United Kingdom, United States and Australia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a new trilateral collaboration that will strengthen strategic cooperation and address risks to critical supply chains. Referred to as the supply chain resilience pact, the deal will encourage data sharing and joint action to build resilience […]
Ports Australia Inaugural Report
Ports Australia has released its inaugural State of Trade Report this week, which provides an unprecedented look at the critical role that Australian ports play in supporting our nation’s economy, workforce, and global trade. Ports Australia is the peak body representing the interests of the Australian port industry. It serves as a national voice and […]
Sixth Meeting of KAFTA in its Tenth Year
The sixth meeting of the Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement (KAFTA) Joint Committee was held on 03 September 2024 in Perth. The meeting was Co-Chaired by Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism, Australia and Dr Cheong Inkyo, Trade Minister for the Republic of Korea (ROK). They acknowledged the 10-year anniversary of KAFTA’s entry into force, […]
“Smokes on the Water” – ABF Let Smuggler Ship Go
A report about the Australia Border Force (ABF) releasing a rogue container vessel used for smuggling has appeared in today’s Daily Telegraph, with comments also appearing on the website of Senator James Paterson, the Shadow Minister for Home Affairs. Details of the failure to grab the MV Nami’s illegal cargo has been confirmed by both […]
New BMSB Season & DAFF Consultation
The Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has officially announced the commencement of the 2024-25 Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) Risk Season in their notice 190-2024 today. The start date is 01 September 2024. They have also issued reminders of changes to the program and invited input on the Hitchhiker Pest Program under their […]
Pacific Islands Forum Meetings
Today’s media focus has been on the Prime Minister attending the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting being held in Tonga from 27 to 29 August 2024. This meeting was preceded by the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting (FEMM) in Fiji earlier this month, and before that by a meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat […]