Australian canola, chickpea, lentil and wheat exporters now have improved market access into Pakistan following successful technical negotiations between the two countries.
Recent negotiations have delivered really positive outcomes for local growers and exporters, leading to improved selling opportunities.
One obvious major achievement from the talks has been the resumption “of canola exports to Pakistan, the first such exports since winter season 2016‑17.
Secondly, Pakistan has approved methyl bromide fumigation of chickpeas and lentils, and phosphine fumigation of wheat, which will reduce costs and give greater flexibility to exporters.
This also brings Pakistan into alignment with Australia, India and Bangladesh for preferred rates of fumigation, allowing for easier transhipment across the region.
Pakistan is an important trading partner for Australia. Australia’s agricultural exports to Pakistan grew 35% year on year to $194 million in 2020.
The negotiations demonstrate the value of the Government’s investments in expanding agricultural trade and our agriculture counsellor network over recent years.
These investments are vital not just for improving market access for Australian growers and exporters but also for strengthening our relationship with important trading partners.
Nick Goddard, CEO of the Australian Oilseeds Federation, welcomed the improved market access.
“Australian canola growers need more overseas market options for their product, and developments such as this make accessing the Pakistan market just that much smoother for the Australian canola industry,” Mr Goddard said.
How our trade with Pakistan currently stands:
· Pakistan imported $426 million of canola in 2020.
· Australia last exported $30 million of canola in 2016-17.
· Australia exported $102 million worth of chickpea to Pakistan in 2020 and is on track to exceed this in 2021.
· Total agricultural exports to Pakistan from Australia were worth over $194 million in 2020.
