Cairns seafood exports are once again starting to see signs of growth as China returns to some economic activity.
Forty tonnes of seafood left Cairns Airport yesterday, up from eighteen tonnes two weeks ago, as seafood exports from the Far North show signs of revival.
Cairns Airport CEO Norris Carter said the rise in recent weeks is a positive one for the industry and the region.
“With one in every five dollars of exports travelling via airports, it’s important for our region that we are able to facilitate the delivery of seafood and high quality products into overseas markets.
“Despite the current international travel constraints, we are seeing great resilience from across our local industry and the benefits of having an efficient, sustainable and cost-effective freight and logistics industry in Cairns.”
Collaboration between all parties: governments, Council, exporters, airlines and the airport are essential to maximise the value of our export industries.
“The partnerships with all levels of government has been critical to enabling our freight industry to continue to grow, and the support of the State Government and Council reflects the collective benefits that have enabled Cairns Airport to better support the local economy,” Mr Carter said.
“We welcome the announcement by the Federal Government last week and the opportunity it creates. We are engaging with the Federal Government to determine support available for Cairns Airport.”
Barb Ford, Managing Director of AirFreight Handling Services said she believed the return in demand was based on the longstanding business relationships that existed between suppliers and the high quality and trusted product the region was known for.
“The industry is committed to servicing export markets and while there has been a downturn over the past month, the creative problem-solving that has been shown in recent weeks to help resolve some of the challenging issues sending freight, has been reassuring.”
Australia’s $1.2 billion dollar seafood export industry is heavily reliant on air freight with key markets heavily geared to regular consignments of chilled air-freight.
“Airports are crucial to our trade story and the cargo transported is vitally important to airlines, airports and the local economy,” Ms Ford said.