Government policy can shape the economy and the companies within it. That's why when Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled plans for a new initiative, known as the 'Future Made in Australia Act', my mind went straight to contemplating which ASX shares could get a boost.
A prime example of what policy can do to share prices is the United States CHIPS Act. Shares in many computer chip manufacturers have soared since the launch of the US$39 billion subsidy for local manufacturing.
Could the Future Made in Australia Act similarly affect any ASX names?
What is the Future Made in Australia Act?
Yesterday, the Prime Minster announced the Government's intent to launch incentives for local advanced manufacturing, green metals, and hydrogen production. In an address to the Queensland Press Club, Albanese described the proposed government funding to ensure Australia remains competitive on the world stage.
Exact details on how the funding would take shape were left out. However, Albanese's speech referenced the United States Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the CHIPS Act as examples of localised investment in critical minerals and manufacturing capability.
The IRA involves US$624 billion of 'targeted incentives' through grants, loans, tax credits, etc. The Prime Minister conceded, "Obviously, Australia cannot go dollar for dollar with the United States' 'Inflation Reduction Act'", but went on to say:
[…] Australian can absolutely compete for international investment when it comes to our capacity to produce outcomes, the quality of our policies and the power of our incentives.
As the Treasurer has said, part of the objective here is about Australia presenting potential investors with 'a single front door'.
A clear path to investing in Australia, in Queensland, in hydrogen, green metals and advanced manufacturing.
Unfortunately, the announcement did not have specifics. The finer details are reserved for the government's federal budget next month.
Which ASX shares might benefit?
I'd only be speculating due to the limited information shared in yesterday's speech. Nonetheless, there's a chance the act will provide a platform for developing local resource refinement. Materials that fall under the 'critical minerals' umbrella are possibly the focus here — lithium, rare earths, copper, and nickel.
Most of the world's rare earths — elements integral in modern electronic devices (including electric vehicles) — are refined in China. As such, Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) might receive some of those funds to increase its downstream processing within Australia.
Furthermore, Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR) might be an ASX lithium share to watch. The company has been under pressure since taking on debt to construct its Kathleen Valley lithium project after its takeover offer fell through. The Future Made in Australia Act may provide a safety net to ensure the development reaches completion.
Another ASX share that could be a winner is AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL). If Australia is pushing for more local manufacturing, the country will require more energy to do so. The company could benefit from higher energy prices amid the demand, and government subsidies might help make the green transition easier for the old power generator.
