China Welcomes Back Live Rock Lobster Exports: A Delicious Trade Revival!

Today, China has informed Australia that the complete resumption of live rock lobster commerce can begin anew.

The Australian Government has embraced this notification, which came after an agreement was reached between Prime Minister Albanese and Premier Li in October 2024 to restore the live rock lobster trade by year-end.

This represents a significant victory for our severely impacted live rock lobster sector, a development resulting from persistent engagement and advocacy by both government and industry. We express our gratitude to the Australian live rock lobster industry for its perseverance and fortitude while we sought to restore market access.

This result illustrates the effectiveness of the Government’s thoughtful, measured, and intentional strategy aimed at stabilising Australia’s connections with China.

This declaration paves the way for Australian exporters to once again deliver the finest lobsters to this vital market. The revival of live rock lobster exports to China is anticipated to yield considerable economic advantages and ensure job stability for fishing communities in regional zones.

Upon the Albanese Government taking office, Australian exporters encountered barriers in exporting wine, barley, coal, cotton, timber logs, oaten hay, copper ores and concentrates, and red meat to China – totaling around $20 billion in Australian goods. The lifting of lobster trade restrictions signifies the resolution of all outstanding trade barriers from that era.

The Australian Government will persist with its composed and steadfast approach to the relationship with China – collaborating where feasible, disagreeing where necessary, and acting in the national interest.

Statements attributed to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“This result reaffirms the composed and steady approach taken by the Albanese Government in stabilising our bilateral ties.

“Thanks to the Albanese Government’s intentional, patient, and strategic approach, approximately $20 billion worth of trade barriers on Australian exports have been lifted.”

Statements attributed to Foreign Minister Penny Wong:

“Today’s announcement demonstrates that the Albanese Labor Government’s strategy toward this critical relationship is serving Australians and enhancing our national interest.

“We stated before the last election that we would strive to stabilise the relationship with China, without compromising what matters to Australians, and that is precisely what we have achieved.”

Statements attributed to Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell:

“This is an outstanding outcome for the Australian lobster sector and for Chinese consumers who will have the opportunity to enjoy delectable Australian live rock lobster just in time for Lunar New Year festivities.

“It is in Australia’s national interest to maintain a positive relationship with our largest trading partner and to have Australia’s premier exports purchased by Chinese consumers.

“The Government will continue to assist Australian enterprises in marketing their world-class products on the global stage.”

Statements attributed to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry Julie Collins:

“This outcome arrives at a pivotal moment for the Australian live rock lobster industry.

“We are actively working to stabilise trade with China to garner greater returns for our diligent fishers and other primary producers.”