Media Release: AUSTRALIA CHINA BUSINESS COUNCIL WELCOMES THE RESUMPTION OF AUSTRALIAN ROCK LOBSTER LIVE EXPORT TRADE TO CHINA

AUSTRALIA CHINA BUSINESS COUNCIL WELCOMES THE RESUMPTION OF AUSTRALIAN ROCK LOBSTER LIVE EXPORT TRADE TO CHINA

10 October 2024

The Australia China Business Council (ACBC) welcomes today’s announcement by the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese that trade impediments on Australian live lobster export will be removed by Chinese authorities by the end of 2024.

China has been a vital market for Australian lobster exporters, and the trade restrictions, in place since 2020, have caused considerable disruption to the sector. The lifting of the restrictions is expected to restore a crucial trade flow, providing much-needed relief to producers and restoring confidence in Australia’s broader trade relationship with China.

The removal of this barrier reflects the hard work of both governments and industry stakeholders to reestablish constructive economic ties. We are proud of the role ACBC has played in advocating for our members and ensuring Australian businesses can once again access this vital market and, in particular, acknowledge the hard work by Australian official and ministerial levels, led by the Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell.

Quotes attributable to ACBC President David Olsson AM:

“We were delighted when we heard the announcement by the Australian Prime Minister a short while ago and congratulate the Australian government on reaching this outcome. It is a huge relief for our members and the broader seafood industry”.

“Australian lobster, affectionately known as the ‘Aolong’ or the ‘Australian Dragon’ in China, has long been a delicacy of choice for Chinese consumers across the country. The significance that the trade is expected to resume before the Chinese Lunar New Year, a time when Chinese families enjoy feasting together; will not be lost on our Australian lobster producers and exporters.”

“This is not just about lobsters; this development signals a positive trend in the broader Australia-China trade relationship. It signals positive momentum for resolving trade issues and sets the stage for broader economic collaboration going forward.

The ACBC acknowledges that not only is the lobster export industry worth AUD $1bn to the Australian economy, but also a crucial sector that underpins the livelihood of many small family businesses and coastal communities.

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For further information, please contact:
Tom Parker
CEO
tom.parker@acbc.com.au
+61 (0) 413 047 951

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