Diversifying canola exports

The Morrison Government is supporting Australian exporters to reach new markets, with exports of canola seeds to Pakistan resuming after five years.

Australian canola seed producers can resume exporting later this year after the Australian Government worked with Pakistani authorities to resolve phytosanitary and technical import issues.

The deal is expected to generate significant revenue for exporters and support local jobs and businesses. Pakistan imported $426 million of canola in 2020. Australia last exported $30 million of canola to the growing market in 2016-17.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said the Morrison Government was supporting Australian exporters to reach new international markets through the $73 million Agribusiness Expansion Initiative and with help from Austrade.

“Exporters are helping to drive Australia's economic recovery while creating jobs and supporting local businesses and communities,” Mr Tehan said.

“Our Government is supporting exporters to diversify their customer base by proactively pursuing new free trade agreements and programs like the Agribusiness Expansion Initiative and IFAM that help businesses succeed internationally.”

Agribusiness trading company Cargill Australia Director Corporate Affairs – Asia Pacific Peter McBride said Pakistan had the potential to become a significant market for Australian producers.

“We now have access to a market we haven't been exported to for several years,” Mr McBride said. “It opens up opportunities for Australia to diversify its canola exports to a growing market. Best of all, it means Cargill and other traders can attain the best possible price for Australian canola farmers as Pakistan is currently paying premium prices for canola seeds.”

Australia's agricultural exports to Pakistan grew 35% year-on-year to $194 million in 2020 (primarily pulses, cotton, horticultural products and live breeder cattle).