Authorities bust ecstasy import effort
A JOINT operation by the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force has resulted in the seizure of 80 kilograms of MDMA (ecstasy) apparently destined for Sydney. The...
Vic opposition flags concerns over port pricing review delays
STATE opposition ports spokesperson Roma Britnell has raised concerns about the length of time taken to set up a review into the Port of Melbourne pricing regime. In October last...
Illegal tobacco import attempt flushed by authorities
A CONTAINER from China marked “beverages and toilet paper” was actually carrying an illicit cargo of tobacco, the Australian Border Force says. The ABF says it has smashed an...
Department of Agriculture saves Valentine’s Day
THE IMPORT demand for cut flowers has dramatically risen in the past 20 years for Valentine’s Day as well as other gushy holidays, and while your wife may love the gesture, head...
Maersk to buy US customs brokerage company
MAERSK announced it had come to an agreement to acquire US-based customs brokerage and logistics business Vandergrift. Maersk North America regional managing director Narin Phol...
New sulphur-measurement technology to help meet IMO 2020 standards
IN response to the fast-approaching 2020 sulphur cap on marine fuels, Wilhelmsen has partnered with Hitachi High Tech to establish more convenient handheld XRF analysers, giving...
Freight network improvements in focus
DEPUTY Prime Minister Michael McCormack has reminded stakeholders that the second intake of the Government’s Trials Business Case Program closes soon. Local governments and the...
In praise of Victorian rail mode subsidy
VICTORIAN exporters and rail operators have backed the continuation of the Mode Shift Incentive Scheme in supporting rail mode share, while also calling for opportunities to boost...
Japan gives green light to Tassie fruit
NORTHERN Tasmania is set to resume exporting fruit to Japan after the Asian nation reinstated the region’s fruit fly free status. According to the office of agriculture minister...
OPINION: Global markets in the first quarter of 2019
MARKETS have continued the strong rebound in equities for 2019, following the devastation of the final quarter catastrophe that was the close of 2018. The origins of the final...
Huge meth cargo busted
LAW enforcement officers have reported the seizure of more than 1.7 tonnes of methylamphetamine (ice) the largest shipment bound for Australia and the largest ever domestic...
Port operator fined for Westernport “safety threats”
PATRICK Stevedores have been whacked with $475,000 in fines after being convicted of threatening workers who raised safety concerns. In the Victorian County Court, Patrick...
Nut trade to India excites minister
A MARKET access agreement should help Australia nut exporters sell into the vast Indian market, agriculture minister David Littleproud says. Mr Littleproud said he was thrilled...
INSIGHT: Air cargo security screening changes
THE AUSTRALIAN government is introducing enhanced air cargo security screening requirements for all outbound air cargo. This includes our world-class agricultural exports. The...
2018 – Big year for trade means big surplus
THE Australian Bureau of Statistics calculated a record-breaking Australian trade surplus last calendar year, reaching $22.2bn. Minister for trade, tourism and investment Simon...
