The Australian seafood industry is celebrating the return of live rock lobster exports to China, as the prime minister heralds a diplomatic win for his government.
China notified Australia on Dec. 20 the full resumption of the live rock lobster trade can commence.
“This outcome affirms the calm and consistent approach taken by the Albanese government in the stabilisation of our bilateral relationship,” Anthony Albanese said.
Peak body Seafood Industry Australia said local lobsters were valued overseas for their superior quality, taste, and sustainability credentials.
“This critical achievement demonstrates that Australia-China trade relations are progressing positively, creating value and benefits for all involved,” it said in a statement.
“The resumption of trade will see this premium product once again available to Chinese consumers, while supporting thousands of jobs in Australia’s coastal communities.”
The Labor government had taken a patient approach over the past two and half years to get about $20 billion (US$12.4 billion) worth of trade impediments on the nation’s exports to China removed, Albanese said.
In October, Albanese and China Premier Li Qiang had agreed on the resumption of trade by the end of 2024.
Dec. 20’s notification follows the lifting of the final trade barriers on two Australian abattoirs earlier in December.
Australian barley, wheat, wine, timber, beef, and lobster were among the trade barriers imposed by China as the bilateral relationship soured in 2020 after the then-Liberal government called for an inquiry into the origins of COVID-19.
The government had delivered in the national interest, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said.
“We said before the last election that we would work to stabilise the relationship with China, without compromising on what is important to Australians and that is what we have done,” she added.
Trade Minister Don Farrell said it was a fantastic outcome for the lobster industry, as well as Chinese consumers who can get their hands on world-class seafood in time for Lunar New Year celebrations.
“It is in Australia’s national interest to have a constructive relationship with our largest trading partner and to have Australia’s top exports purchased by China’s consumers,” Farrell said.
Fisheries Minister Julie Collins said stabilising trade with China would deliver greater returns for fishers and other primary producers.
Collins said producers will now need to apply for permits to export their lobsters.
