Measuring the Economic Impact of Supply Chain Standards in Australia
Delivering National Productivity, Competitiveness and Resilience
GS1 Australia is pleased to share the results of an independent economic analysis conducted by the Centre for International Economics (CIE). This landmark study quantifies the value of supply chain data standards to Australia’s economy, revealing a contribution of up to $27 billion per year in GDP uplift, driven by industry-led adoption.
Standards may seem invisible, but their impact is profound. From the barcode on a retail product to digital traceability in healthcare and agriculture, GS1 standards support efficient, transparent, and interoperable supply chains.
Key Findings
📈 $19–27 billion in current annual GDP uplift
📦 Cost of living – prices permanently 0.4-0.6% lower
🌏 Export growth of $6–9 billion per year
💰 $3.5–5 billion in additional government revenue
🧑🤝🧑 Real wage uplift of $833–$1,194 per person
“The evidence is clear: standards are a key enabler of economic transformation.”
What’s Inside the Reports
National and sector-specific modelling
Case studies in retail, healthcare, agriculture, and construction
Forward-looking scenarios quantifying a potential $50 billion per year benefit
Implications for government policy and regulatory reform
“Even sectors with low current standards use, such as mining or construction, benefit from upstream or downstream efficiencies.”
Why This Matters
Australia’s future competitiveness depends on efficient, data-driven systems that support digital transformation, sustainable production, and global trade. GS1 standards - now recognised as Australian Standards - are the infrastructure for this change.
“Digital transformation starts with common identifiers and interoperable data - this is what GS1 provides.”
Download the Reports
📈 Infographic (1 page)
📄 Summary Report (10 pages)
📘 Full CIE Analysis Report (180 pages)
This work recognises the contribution of Australian businesses that adopt and use global data standards - helping build a more productive, sustainable and resilient economy.