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14 April 2026
Western Australian agrifood export eNews
The global supply chain has reached a critical stage this week. Despite the announcement of a 2-week ceasefire in the Middle East, there is still heightened risk, surging costs, and significant delays for Australian exporters. Carriers, forwarders, and insurers remain cautious.
The focus is currently on clearing stranded cargo, repositioning vessels and equipment, and managing congestion at alternative hubs rather than resuming normal service patterns. As a result, exporters shouldn't expect immediate relief in freight markets.
How to stay informed?
- Visit: The Middle East updates and support page on the Go Global Toolkit for the latest information.
- Sign up: Access webinar recordings and stay informed about upcoming Middle East webinars.
Source and image: Austrade Go Global Toolkit
Starting 30 April, this four-part progressive learning program brings together WA producers, exporters, and industry leaders for facilitated, practical conversations on navigating global volatility, choosing the right markets, and building resilient export operations.
Each roundtable builds on the last, so attendees are encouraged to participate in all four sessions.
BREAKFAST 1: “Volatility is the New Normal” (30 April)
Explore how permanent geopolitical and economic instability is reshaping export planning, and how your business can shift from expecting things to stay steady, to planning for whatever comes your way.
Key themes include:
- The end of predictable global trade
- When FTAs don’t translate into actual market access
- Aligning your business with partner-country self‑interest
- Understanding overexposure and geopolitical risk signals
- Technology tools for monitoring global disruptions.
An experienced WA exporter will join the discussion to share their lived experience (speaker announcement coming soon).
Breakfast 2: “Market Selection Without Regret” (25 June)
Considers what makes a market durable, and why size and proximity often mislead exporters. Explore market fit, demand stability, procurement behaviour, and sequencing strategy.
Breakfast 3: “What Breaks First When Producers Go Export-Facing” (20 August)
A practical conversation about systems, compliance, consistency, timing, and cashflow - the real internal constraints that limit export readiness.
Breakfast 4: “Designing Resilience Without Over-Diversifying” (15 October)
Learn how to manage exposure, recognise warning signals, and build a market portfolio that balances focus with resilience.
Led by International Trade Strategist, Collins Rex
Collins is an international trade strategist with more than 30 years’ experience helping governments, industry bodies and SMEs build export capability and navigate complex global markets.
How to register to attend?
- Spaces are limited and reserved for WA agrifood and beverage exporters.
- Register on Humanitix to secure your spot today as spots are limited.
- To secure a place, $30 per attendee per event is required at the time of registration.
Source and image: DPIRD
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is pleased to support the HARVEST Accelerator program once again in 2026.
This is an opportunity for startups, businesses, farmers, and researchers developing innovative solutions in the agricultural sector to accelerate the commercialisation of your innovation.
Now in its ninth year, HARVEST has supported over 90 businesses, offering a program valued at over $10,000 but is completely free for successful applicants.
How to take part in HARVEST?
- Click here to apply.
- Applications close at 8 AM on Thursday 30 April 2026.
Further information and key dates can be found on the website.
Source: DPIRD | Image: Agristart/Innovation Cluster
Is your wine business considering Japan as a potential export avenue? Or are you already in the market and planning this year’s program of activities?
Join Wine Australia for a 60-minute session covering market conditions, opportunities, and upcoming activities.
This webinar is suitable for anyone who is:
- Considering doing business in Japan,
- Already working with Japanese customers and partners, and/or
- Looking to establish partnerships with companies in Japan.
Date and time
- Tuesday 21 April, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM AWST
- Register now
Source and image: Wine Australia
Join Austrade and Wine Australia for market insights, regulatory updates, consumer trends, and strategic guidance to help you grow your presence and export potential in Hong Kong, China, and Taiwan.
Date and time
- Thursday 30 April, 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM AWST
- Register now
Source and image: Austrade Go Global Toolkit
World food commodity prices rose in March for the second month in a row, due largely to higher energy prices linked to the conflict escalation in the Near East, according to the latest benchmark measure released by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The FAO Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in the international prices of a basket of globally traded food commodities, averaged 128.5 points in March, up 2.4 percent from February and 1.0 percent above its level a year ago.
Source and image: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
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.
Subscribe to Western Australian Agrifood Export eNews.
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.
