The Albanese Government has unveiled a new Trade Resilience Service to help exporters navigate mounting global supply chain disruptions triggered by the Middle East conflict.
Announced by Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell, the initiative will deploy a team of trade and logistics experts to provide real-time advice to businesses struggling with rising freight costs, insurance uncertainty and delays in key shipping routes.
Delivered through Australian Trade and Investment Commission, the 12-month service aims to keep Australian goods moving into international markets, while also helping exporters identify alternative routes and destinations.
“This is an uncertain and challenging time for Australian businesses,” Farrell said, pointing to disruptions affecting both exports and essential imports such as fertilisers.
The move comes as global shipping lanes face pressure due to instability in the Middle East, impacting supply chains that support one in four Australian jobs linked to trade.
The Trade Resilience Service will work alongside the government’s Trade Diversification Taskforce, part of the $50 million Accessing New Markets Initiative, which focuses on helping businesses expand into new and emerging markets.
Farrell said the government was stepping in to provide practical support during a period of heightened global uncertainty.
“The Albanese Government will always back Australian business – especially in times like this.”
Industry voices have also backed the move, with logistics experts describing the current environment as requiring “extraordinary thinking” to keep trade flowing.
The service is expected to play a critical role in supporting exporters dealing with perishable goods and time-sensitive shipments, as businesses adjust to an increasingly volatile global trade landscape.
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