Joint media release with the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, and the Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment

The Liberal-National Government has today launched a new Action Plan to help Australian farmers and businesses tackle trade barriers, helping them get their goods into overseas markets faster, with greater ease and at a lower cost.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham said Australia’s free trade agreements had opened up new market access for Australian exporters, but they were still being hampered by non-tariff barriers such as excessive regulation and red tape. 

“Our trading partners have the right to set trade rules that protect their citizens and the environment just as we do in Australia. But sometimes unnecessary rules are imposed that can put our exporters at a disadvantage and restrict the flow of goods,” Minister Birmingham said.

"Our government has had more success removing tariff barriers on Australian exports to other nations than any other, helping the exports from our farmers and businesses to boom. However, the rise of non-tariff barriers is evidence that we cannot declare mission accomplished and must be vigilant in our continued efforts to protect and enhance market access for our exporters.

“This Action Plan will help us better identify and address unfair obstacles for our exporters and make it as easy as possible for them to export their high-quality goods and services to the world.”

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the Liberal-National Government was standing-up for Australian industry and businesses by taking on trade barriers in overseas markets and making it easier for them to access the help they need.

“This Action Plan means a more coordinated approach to remove non-tariff barriers so exporters can have more clarity on the range of government support services available to them - both here and overseas,” Minister Andrews said.

“It will also look at the capabilities of our trade officials, technical experts and diplomats and ensure they have the skills and knowledge to better support Australian exporters.”

Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources David Littleproud said the Action Plan would complement the 22 Agricultural Counsellors employed overseas, who work with importing countries to remove technical barriers to trade.

“Removing trade barriers means Aussie farmers can get their produce into more countries, make more money and employ more people.”

Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Mark Coulton said the Action Plan will support closer collaboration between government and industry.

“A dedicated non-tariff barriers website and coordination team will now make it simpler for businesses to report trade barriers and find the help they need to overcome these barriers.”

Exporters can read the new Action Plan and report non-tariff trade barriers by going to www.tradebarriers.dfat.gov.au.

Media contacts:

Minister Andrews' office 02 6277 7070

Minister Birmingham's office 02 6277 7420

Minister Littleproud's office 02 6277 7630

Assistant Minister Coulton's office 02 6277 4607