China to end Australian lobster ban by end of year, ‘huge relief’ for industry
China is set to lift its ban on Australian lobster imports by the end of the year following a meeting between Premier Li Qiang and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Australian businesses welcomed the removal of China’s trade impediments on its live lobsters, which are set to be dropped after more than three years following a meeting between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday.
China had been a vital market for Australian lobster exporters before 2020, buying 95 per cent of Australia’s A$750 million (US$504 million) worth of lobsters in 2019.
But the Australian seafood was unofficially blocked by Chinese authorities after the previous Morrison administration asked for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus with other world leaders.
According to the Australia China Business Council, lifting the restrictions is expected to “restore a crucial trade flow, providing much-needed relief to producers and restore confidence in Australia’s broader trade relationship with China”.
“We were delighted when we heard the announcement by the Australian prime minister ... and congratulate the Australian government on reaching this outcome,” said David Olsson, president of Australia China Business Council.
“It is a huge relief for our members and the broader seafood industry.”
