Traditionally, Southeast Asia has been a key market for Australian milling wheat and malt barley, however, the animal feed market presents a significant opportunity for growth in Australian grain exports.
Increasing meat consumption in Southeast Asia has resulted in sustained growth in the demand for feed grains and protein meals. Australian wheat, barley, sorghum, canola meal and lupins are well placed to meet the nutritional requirements of Southeast Asian feed systems, however, significant work is required to build awareness about the potential use of alternative feed grains and targeting investments in infrastructure within key markets to fully realise these opportunities.
Grain Growers is concerned by increasing signs of trade protectionism across the region surrounding food insecurity. To address these headwinds, it is crucial the Southeast Asian Economic Strategy highlights the role Australia can play in ensuring a secure and stable supply of food in the region, in conjunction with sustained work lowering tariff barriers and minimising non-tariff barriers.
Similarly, the appointment of an envoy to Southeast Asia will be vital in ensuring strong working relations with governments, which is critical for facilitating trade.
To foster increased agricultural trade, it is important dedicated programs such as the Agricultural Counsellor network and the Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC) Program are maintained.