Australian exporters of perishable produce will have access to real-time information on supply chains and logistics under the new service established by the Australian Government.

Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell has announced the advisory service today, which will help exporters navigate ‘new-look' supply chains and a changed international trade environment.

“One of the biggest ongoing challenges for exporters is getting their produce to international customers,” Mr Farrell said.

“This new supply chain service which kicked into gear from 1 August 2022 will give Australian exporters the real-time information and insights they need to navigate complex global supply chains.”

The Export Supply Chain Service will be delivered by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), building on the wide range of services already provided to exporters.

The Export Supply Chain Service will provide ongoing assistance to small to medium enterprises as the International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM) winds down.

IFAM was a temporary, targeted emergency measure, that maintained essential airfreight supply lines impacted by COVID-19 disruptions throughout the height of the global pandemic.

The Australian Government Freight Controller, Air Vice-Marshal Margaret Staib, said businesses must adjust to the new global trading environment.

“While pathways to trade internationally are being restored, businesses must recalibrate and adjust to current trade conditions. Supply chains are different to pre-COVID, but opportunities exist for businesses ready to innovate and adapt,” Air Vice-Marshal Staib said.

“IFAM helped stem wholesale job losses across farming, aviation and freight sectors. Around 35,000 jobs directly and over 120,000 jobs indirectly in agriculture, seafood, aviation and logistics were at risk when airfreight collapsed.

“Now, with the winding down of IFAM from 30 June, exporters must adapt to the new world of supply chain challenges, and we're here to help them access the insights and information they need to do that.”