BPF Meets with the Australian High Commission to Discuss the Effects of the US-Iran Conflict

The British Plastics Federation (BPF) met last week with representatives of the Australian High Commission (AHC), at their request, to discuss the ongoing effects of the US-Iran conflict on the plastics supply chain.

Following the publication of the BPF's snap poll survey results statement (Click Here), the AHC reached out to explore ways the UK and Australian plastics industries could share experiences and explore solutions. Both industries are currently struggling with supplies of raw materials, and they were particularly interested in our ‘call to action’ to the UK government.

Among UK plastics industry exports to Australia are equipment for mining such as conveyor belts, flooring products and components for water desalination plants. Since the introduction of the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in 2021, the first of its type signed since Brexit, there has been a steady increase in the value of plastics trade between the two countries.

The BPF's Director General, Philip Law added:

"We were very happy to showcase to Australia the best that the UK plastics industry can offer. Whilst Australia lacks a BPF equivalent body we do have links to the Vinyl Council of Australia and Expanded Polystyrene Australia as foundations on which to build our relationship further. One area of sensitivity was the UK government’s growing alignment with the EU. Australia regards our Free Trade Agreement as a significant success, and they are concerned by a potential weakening of our trading commitments with them. We will continue to work closely with our strategic counterparts like Australia and explore new collaborative opportunities wherever possible’’.