No word yet as to whether the Government will ease up on current restrictions despite a drop in the number of COVID-19 cases.
MEASURES
- Australian exporters are now able to access business saving loans (ranging from A$250,000 to A$50 million) under COVID-19 Export Capital Facility administered by Export Finance Australia.
- Addressing air freight export challenges: Qantas and Virgin Australia have offered air freight capacity on international repatriation services within certain sectors.
- This is an outcome of the industry’s strong engagement with various working groups and government departments, including the newly set up National COVID-19 Coordination Commission headed by the Prime Minister Office.
IMPACT ON FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN
- Domestic food supply is reportedly running smoothly with minimal disruptions.
- As China slowly returns to normalcy, air freight capacity challenges faced by Australia has started to ease up.
- Medium-term vulnerability: The pre-packaged beverage sector is closely watching the supply of two types of imported packaging materials – namely aluminium and RPET.