ADIC Submission: Inquiry into the utilisation of benefits available to Australian industry and communities from trade, including under FTAs

Under the banner of Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) and Dairy Australia we provided a crucial submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Trade and Investment Growth’s Inquiry into the utilisation of benefits available to Australian industry and communities from trade, including under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).

Our submission highlighted the importance of FTAs in expanding the sector’s reach and supporting economic growth. Dairy is Australia’s third largest rural industry, contributing $6.1 billion at the farmgate and employing almost 33,500 people across farms and processing.

In 2023, 30 per cent of milk production was exported, valued at about $3.7 billion. Australia ranks 5th in world dairy trade, holding a 5 per cent market share, and FTAs play a critical role in driving growth.

The 18 FTAs already in place help Australian dairy exports reach global markets, from Asia to the Middle East. Our key recommendations for continued success are:

• Secure commercially meaningful outcomes in ongoing FTA negotiations.
• Conduct regular reviews of FTAs to ensure Australia remains competitive.
• Push for improvements in market access, including Taiwan and Japan.
• Engage in strategic negotiations to protect national interests while seeking new trading opportunities.

With rising demand, particularly in Asia, Australia’s dairy industry is well-positioned to leverage these agreements for sustainable growth and stronger global ties.

Read our submission in full.