End in sight for Australian monopoly?

19 July 2000



End in sight for Australian monopoly?

AUSTRALIAS grain-export monopoly is unlikely to generate net benefits for the country or producers, reports an independent agency of the Australian government.

The Financial Times predicts this could be the opening salvo in a debate about the structure of the A$3 billion export monopoly managed by AWB International.

If the 60-year monopoly is ultimately found to deliver net benefits it will continue, but if not, it could be scrapped.

This could usher in a new competitive wheat industry, say analysts.

• Australia privatises wheat, barley authorities, FWi, 05 July 1999
• Australian wheat rallies on back of US drought, FWi, 16 August, 1999