The Albanese Labor Government is helping deliver easier, quicker and more secure trade for Australia's agricultural exporters thanks to two new developments in paperless trade.
China and Thailand have recently agreed with Australia to transition to paperless certification on agricultural goods between countries, allowing for faster processing at the border, while creating greater information security.
China and Australia signed a memorandum of understanding during the Prime Minister's recent visit to China, which will see paper sanitary and phytosanitary certificates replaced with paperless eCertificate exchange.
In 2023-24, exports of agriculture, fisheries and forestry products to China were valued at over $17 billion dollars, with this modernisation to simplify and help grow exports with our largest trading partner.
This reflects the benefit of the Albanese Government removing trade impediments with China, including lobster, wine, barley, coal, cotton, timber logs, oaten hay, copper ores and concentrates and red meat exports.
The agreement with Thailand will initially extend to plant imports to both countries, with the new e-certification system to support future implementation of Australia and Thailand's commitments to paperless trade, as part of broader trade cooperation.
This includes under the Thailand Australia Free Trade Agreement, which has seen two-way trade more than double during its 20 years in force.
The streamlined certification process will support Australia's agriculture, fisheries and forestry exports to Thailand, worth $1.5 billion in 2023-24, to grow.
These two new paperless certification agreements are part of the Albanese Labor Government's ongoing work to strengthen agricultural productivity, improve two-way trade, and to unlock more export opportunities for Australia's farmers and producers.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:
"The Albanese Labor Government continues to deliver for our farmers and producers, with modernising these export certifications to ensure our agricultural trade continues to grow.
"Going paperless makes it quicker and easier to get Australian produce to overseas markets. Less paperwork means less waiting-so our fresh produce reaches customers faster and in better condition.
"Embracing eCertificates builds trade and trust between countries, shoring up food security and increasing productivity.
"There is robust two-way trade between Australia and China, and Australia and Thailand, and these measures mean we can continue to enjoy the best produce each country has to offer."
