Member Matters

Supporting members through the Middle East conflict

28 April 2026

The conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt global supply chains, with clear impacts on Australia’s food and grocery sector. Higher fuel costs, shipping delays and pressure on critical inputs such as resin are creating real challenges for businesses across the supply chain.

During this period, AFGC has been actively supporting members. Our focus has been on strong advocacy, timely insight and close engagement with regulators to manage emerging risks.

Strong, direct government advocacy

AFGC has maintained ongoing engagement with Cabinet Ministers, ministerial offices and senior officials across key portfolios. This engagement is focused on securing practical responses to the challenges members are facing.

Discussions have centred on fuel availability and cost pressures, disrupted shipping routes, and impacts on food and grocery manufacturing and distribution. AFGC has also worked to ensure food and groceries are recognised as essential at the Cabinet level. This recognition reinforces the critical role our sector plays in maintaining supply for Australian households during global disruptions.

Member‑identified issues have been raised directly in government roundtables and national coordination forums. This ensures industry perspectives continue to inform decision‑making as the situation evolves.

Delivering real‑time insight through Industry Pulse

To support members with timely, evidence‑based information, AFGC developed the Industry Pulse: Middle East Impacts Tracker. This initiative combines targeted member survey data with live dashboard reporting to capture pressures as they emerge.

Industry Pulse highlights on‑the‑ground impacts, including transport and shipping constraints, rising costs and risks to packaging supply. These insights help members benchmark their experiences and strengthen AFGC’s advocacy by grounding engagement with government and regulators in real‑world data.

Working with regulators to manage compliance risk

AFGC is engaging closely with food regulators to identify and manage potential compliance risks linked to supply disruptions. This includes raising issues through forums such as FSANZ’s Binational Food Industry Dialogue.

Regulators have agreed on a nationally consistent approach for businesses to seek consideration where unavoidable supply disruptions create temporary compliance challenges. This is modelled on arrangements used during the COVID‑19 pandemic. The priority is to provide manufacturers with clarity and flexibility, while maintaining confidence in the safety and integrity of the supply chain.

Continuing to support members

AFGC will continue to monitor developments and engage with government and regulators as the situation evolves. We will keep members informed as new information becomes available.

Member input remains critical. Your feedback helps shape our advocacy and supports early identification of emerging risks. If you are experiencing disruptions or have concerns you would like raised, please consider filling out our Supply Chain Pulse Check Survey or contact the AFGC team at afgc@afgc.org.au so your insights can be reflected in our ongoing work.