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24 February 2026
Western Australian
agrifood export eNews
Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) is aware of the United States Government’s decision to introduce a 15% baseline tariff on all imports. It is important to note that Australian beef will remain exempt under the Section 122 tariffs surcharge, maintaining a 0% tariff following the announcement made in November 2025.
Unfortunately, Australian sheepmeat and goatmeat will see tariffs increase from 10% to 15% under the new arrangements. MLA will work with industry and the Australian Government to navigate the challenges this new tariff hike will impose.
The United States was Australia’s number one export market for beef, lamb and goatmeat in 2025, highlighting the importance of this trading relationship for our producers and the broader red meat supply chain.
MLA maintains a dedicated office in Washington, D.C., and we continue to liaise closely with the Australian Government, industry partners and stakeholders throughout the supply chain to ensure Australian red meat remains highly valued, competitive and trusted in the US market.
Source and image: MLA
Want to validate your idea and refine your collateral? Explore how CERI Investment Readiness helps SMEs close the gap.
The CERI (Centre for Entrepreneurial Research and Innovation) Investment Readiness program is designed to assist participants identify gaps in their solutions, effectively articulating their investment opportunities, and gain a deeper understanding of the mechanics of raising capital.
What does it involve?
In face-to-face workshops over 11 weeks, participants will learn how to address these gaps through building evidence, rigour, and clarity into the proposed solution, through building out a tested viable business model.
Participants will gain an understanding of the mechanics of raising capital and ensuring overall readiness including developing a capital strategy and how to pitch to investors.
Who is it for?
SMEs in the agrifood-tech, agribusiness and food and beverage manufacturing sector who are in the process of raising capital or are looking to raise capital in the next 6-12 months.
When is it?
In this quarter, the program will commence on Wednesday 11 March 2026 and run until Wednesday 20 May 2026, running in the evening from 5pm – 7.30pm.
Click here for further information and registration.
Source: DPIRD | Image: CERI
A new advisory committee has been established to support the reopening of boat-based recreational demersal fishing from Kalbarri to Augusta in Spring 2027.
The West Coast Demersal Ministerial Advisory Committee will provide recommendations to the State Government on the future management of recreational fishing to balance a return to boat-based fishing with continued protection for fish stocks to support recovery.
The advisory committee is made up of recreational fishing representatives Matt Gillett, Ashley Ramm, Jamie Chester, David Hilton, and Emma George, charter operators Michelle Howard and Cherie Abbott, and science expert Tim Langlois and conservation expert Adrian Meder. It will be chaired by Matt Gillett.
In December 2025, the Cook Government announced important reforms across Western Australia's coastline to protect demersal fish like pink snapper, red emperor, and dhufish, and to help stocks recover for future generations.
The committee, who will meet for the first time in the last week of February, has been appointed to provide recommendations to the State Government on:
- additional spawning closures to provide protection for key species including pink snapper and WA dhufish;
- locations to establish demersal recovery zones to ensure the long-term sustainability of stocks; and
- changes to recreational fishing rules, such as boat and bag limits, to support the ongoing recovery of fish stocks when boat-based fishing reopens.
Final recommendations are due to the State Government by June 2027 for consideration, ahead of the West Coast Bioregion reopening in Spring 2027.
The State Government is also continuing to work on additional State-wide changes to boat and bag limits outside of the West Coast Bioregion, which will be announced by the end of the month.
Source: WA Gov | Image: DPIRD
Join the Asialink Business Academy Program, Doing Business Briefing: Vietnam to build practical skills to grow your business in Vietnam.
Vietnam is anticipated to remain one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and one of Asia’s premier business and investment locations. The Australia-Vietnam Enhanced Economic Engagement initiative aims at doubling bilateral investment over the coming years.
To capitalise on Vietnam’s growth opportunities, boosted by its young and dynamic workforce, Australian businesses must develop the capabilities and understanding of the local business environment.
This program helps participants build the knowledge and skills to do business in Vietnam. It builds an understanding of Vietnamese business culture and how to engage to ensure successful business outcomes.
Key Takeaways
- Raise awareness of the key cultural drivers that impact the way business is conducted in Vietnam.
- Build understanding of Vietnamese business styles and how to respond.
- Introduce the skills needed to effectively influence business outcomes and strengthen relationships when working in and with Vietnam.
Featured Speakers
- Opening remarks by Chris Morley, Trade and Investment Commissioner, Hanoi, Australian Trade and Investment Commission
- Expert speaker: Chau Ta, Executive Director, Legal Transactions, SC Capital Partners Pte Ltd.
- SME business: Peter Dwyer, CEO Comtest Group
- Facilitated by Shiraz Engineer, Head of Asialink Business Academy, Asialink Business.
Session details
- Wednesday 11 March, 10.00am - 12.00pm AWST
Source and image: Asialink Business
Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) in partnership with industry peak bodies, has secured a grant from the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations to deliver a major new initiative designed to deepen engagement between Australian and Chinese cattle and red meat industry stakeholders.
The funding will support two major exchanges: an inbound delegation of emerging and established Chinese red meat industry leaders to Australia, followed by an outbound visit by Australian peak industry bodies to China.
Activities will culminate in the inaugural Australia China Livestock and Red Meat Industry Cooperation Forum, which will lay the groundwork for a potential industry-to-industry Memorandum of Understanding on issues of mutual benefit.
The project is supported by the National Foundation for Australia China Relations and aligns with the Foundation’s mission to strengthen engagement between Australia and China in support of Australia’s national interests.
MLA Managing Director Michael Crowley said the grant represents a significant opportunity to build on the long standing and successful trade relationship between Australia and China, and to further strengthen cooperation across the red meat and livestock sectors.
“China remains one of Australia’s most important markets for red meat, and this grant enables MLA and our industry partners to strengthen the relationships and technical dialogue that underpin long term market access and commercial opportunity,” Mr Crowley said.
“This support from the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations is vital in helping MLA build capability, deepen cooperation and foster a more resilient, trusted and collaborative cattle and red meat industry relationship.”
CEO of the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations, Gary Cowan, welcomed the project’s contribution to strengthening bilateral industry engagement.
Source and image: MLA
Further information
Agribusiness, commercial fishing and aquaculture news from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). If you have any questions or information to share, please email export@dpird.wa.gov.au.
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Important disclaimer
The Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the State of Western Australia accept no liability whatsoever by reason of negligence or otherwise arising from the use or release of this information or any part of it.
Copyright © State of Western Australia (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development), 2026.
