The ACCC’s annual Bulk grain ports monitoring report has highlighted continuing concerns being expressed by growers and exporters about access to Australia’s bulk grain export supply chains, both at port and upcountry.
Three companies (CBH, Viterra and Graincorp) are responsible for operating most of Australia’s grain export port terminal facilities, and associated grain storage and logistic systems. They are also major grain exporters, as well as providing essential services and port access to their exporter competitors.
The ACCC has today released its 2016-17 Bulk Wheat Ports Monitoring Report, which found concerns with some aspects of Australia’s bulk grain export supply chains.
This report examines the nature and concentration of export activity and capacity allocation across Australia’s bulk wheat port terminals
On 11 October 2017 the ACCC revoked the exemption granted to Patrick at its Berth 29, Port Adelaide facility. The ACCC was satisfied that the reasons for granting the exemption no longer applied as Patrick ceased operating as the port service provider at this port terminal facility.
On 11 October 2017 the ACCC made a final determination granting exempt service provider status to LINX in relation to its port terminal facility at Berth 29, Port Adelaide.
On 11 October 2017 the ACCC granted exempt service provider status to LINX Cargo Care Group at its Berth 29, Port Adelaide facility. Exempt service providers do not have to comply with Parts 3 to 6 of the Port Terminal Access (Bulk Wheat) Code of Conduct.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued final determinations that exempt Riordan Grain Services and Semaphore Container Services from having to comply with certain parts of the mandatory Bulk Wheat Code when providing services at their respective Port of Geelong and Port Adelaide facilities.
“The ACCC considers that both Riordan and Semaphore will face significant competitive constraint, specifically from GrainCorp and Viterra,” ACCC Commissioner Cristina Cifuentes said.