SA lobsters back on China’s menu after export ban breakthrough
South Australia’s lobster industry will regain access to the lucrative Chinese export market after a deal was struck to lift a ban on Australian lobsters at the end of this year.
Beijing maintains a block on live rock lobster imports from Australia despite dropping billions of dollars of other tariffs on Australian products such as barley and wine.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Chinese Premier Li Qiang agreed the embargo would be lifted by the end of 2024 after meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Laos on Thursday.
“Premier Li and I have agreed on a timetable to resume full lobster trade by the end of this year,” he told reporters in Vientiane following the meeting.
Live lobsters and two Australian beef processors were the last remaining trade impediments following a years-long trade war between the two nations.
China cited biosecurity concerns over Australian lobster, which the industry rejected.
Albanese hosted Li in Australia in June.
SA Premier Peter Malinsauskas welcomed the trade breakthrough.
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“Today’s news to resume full lobster trade with China by the end of the year is welcome news for South Australia,” he posted on social media.
“It will re-open a major trade route for our South Australian lobster industry to our largest export market.
“This is welcome news and follows our significant and sustained efforts to re-engage with our largest trading partner.”
– with AAP
