Australian live rock lobster exports to China will resume by the end of the year, delivering a major boost for WA’s fishing industry.
Update: the trade resumed on December 20.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese secured the agreement with Chinese Premier Li Qiang yesterday, following four years of lobsters being unable to enter the Chinese market.
When China imposed the ban in 2020, about 90% of Australia’s lobster exports were headed to China.
WA was the country’s largest supplier of lobsters to China. In 2018-19, WA exported about $450 million worth and 5,500 tonnes of the delicacy to China.
“This is great news for the WA economy, and in particular those regional communities in the Mid West where WA’s lobster fishing industry supports almost 2,000 local jobs,” says CCIWA Chief Executive Chris Rodwell.
“The local lobster industry and the regional communities they support have been waiting for this decision for four seasons.
“They will be celebrating the fact that trade looks set to resume in time for Christmas and the lucrative Chinese New Year period.”
It’s expected the State’s major lobster suppliers will gear up operations to resume trade in the coming months.
CCIWA’s International Trade Services team has worked hard with the industry to help build opportunities in other markets over this period.
Read how we supported the Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-operative.
Re-engaging trade with China
Since last year China also lifted heavy tariffs on other Australian exports, such as wine and barley.
Lobster has been the last major commodity locked out of the Chinese market.
“It’s critical we not only re-engage with China, but ensure our trade relationships across the globe remain robust,” Rodwell says.
“Importantly, the resumption of the live lobster trade signals the strengthening of the relationship between Australia and China – a relationship that is pivotal for Western Australia.”
Trade ties with China and WA were also strengthened with the opening of a second Invest and Trade WA office earlier this year.
If you are looking for support or advice in business, investment or trade, contact our experienced International Trade Services team at [email protected].
