On March 12, 2025, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) granted authorization for a group of sugar companies, including Wilmar Sugar Trading Pty Ltd and Bundaberg Sugar Ltd, to engage in collective bargaining with Sugar Terminals Limited. This authorization pertains to the negotiation of storage and handling agreements at six bulk sugar terminals located in Queensland.

The ACCC's determination highlights the expected public benefits from these arrangements, particularly in terms of transaction cost savings and improved negotiation power for the involved companies. The authority believes that the collective approach will facilitate better contracts and terms for the sugar industry.

Furthermore, the ACCC assessed the potential public detriment and concluded that the collective bargaining conduct is unlikely to result in any negative impacts. As a result, the authorization is set to remain in effect until April 3, 2030.

For more details on the ACCC's final determination, interested parties can refer to the ACCC's public register.