Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) actively participated in the launch of Towards 2040: Navigating Australia's Trading Future at Parliament House on Monday 29 June, reinforcing our commitment to shaping a forward-looking, resilient, and competitive trade environment for Australia. This engagement was further advanced through our participation in the Annual Peak Bodies Consultations hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) at the National Press Club, Canberra, where we contributed to discussions aimed at influencing policy direction and strengthening collaboration between government and industry.
Prepared by the Trade 2040 Taskforce, the report provides a strategic roadmap for Australia's trade policy over the next 14 years, recognising that the nation's trading environment is being reshaped by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, economic security priorities, the transition to net zero, and rapid technological change.
The report highlights the need for governments, industry, unions and the broader community to work collaboratively to strengthen economic resilience while maintaining Australia's commitment to open, rules-based international trade.
Key Recommendations
The report calls for:- greater trade diversification to reduce market concentration and strengthen supply chain resilience;
- continued investment in free trade agreements and improved utilisation of existing agreements;
- reforms to enhance trade facilitation and Australia's international competitiveness;
- balanced policies that support economic security while maintaining open markets;
- investment in opportunities arising from the net zero transition, artificial intelligence and digital trade; and
- continued leadership in strengthening the World Trade Organization and the broader rules-based trading system.
These priorities closely align with FTA and APSA advocacy on behalf of members across the international freight, customs, biosecurity, logistics and global supply chain sectors.
FTA/APSA welcomes the report's recognition that resilient supply chains, efficient regulation and strong government-industry collaboration will be critical to Australia's future trade success. The findings reinforce the need for modern trade policy settings that support business competitiveness while responding to increasingly complex global operating environments.
Trade 2040 Insights Featured at the 2026 Australia & New Zealand Shipping & Logistics Conference
During the launch, The Hon. Don Farrell MP, Minister for Trade and Tourism, confirmed his support for the 2026 Australia & New Zealand Shipping & Logistics Conference, agreeing to record a special video message for delegates.
The conference will also feature keynote address with Simon Clayton, DFAT – Assistant Secretary, Agriculture and Non-Tariff Barriers Branch, who will provide firsthand insights into the report's recommendations and discuss their implications for Australia's international trade, freight and supply chain sectors.
The release of the Trade 2040 report provides a timely backdrop to this year's conference, where government and industry leaders will examine the practical policy, regulatory and commercial challenges shaping Australia's trading future.
Early bird registrations close on Monday, 6 July 2026.
For conference details and registration, visit:
?? 2026 Australia & New Zealand Shipping & Logistics ConferencePaul Zalai - Director FTA | Secretariat APSA