International Freight Assistance Mechanism

The International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM) was a temporary, targeted, emergency support measure. It was put in place by the Australian Government to keep global air links open in response to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

IFAM provided logistical and administrative support for international freight movements by:

• aggregating cargo loads
• negotiating with airlines
• dealing with partner governments to facilitate clearances and improve transparency of freight costs. 

Running from 1 April 2020 to 30 June 2022, IFAM reconnected 9 Australian ports to 63 international destinations. IFAM helped move high-value perishable Australian products to existing international markets. It also enabled the import of nationally important goods, aiding Australia’s pandemic response.

Support under the mechanism ended 30 June 2022.

Ongoing support for Australian agribusiness exporters

Beyond IFAM, the Australian Government is working with industry to ensure businesses are modernising export operations. This will ensure they align with new supply chains and are ready to capitalise on opportunities in the new trading environment.

Programs aimed to facilitate trade opportunities include:

• The Export Supply Chain Service (ESCS) – launching 1 August 2022. Read the ministerial release.
• Agribusiness Expansion Initiative – helping agribusinesses expand and diversify their markets
• Agricultural Trade & Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC) grants – helping Australian agribusinesses to expand trade in emerging export markets
• Export Market Development Grants (EDMG) program – helping Australian businesses grow their exports in international markets
• gov.au – a one-stop-shop for the Australian business community for information from a range of government-related sources.