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South Australia launches $475,000 program to reopen Chinese market for seafood exporters

South Australia is set to revitalize its seafood trade with China through a new $475,000 initiative aimed at supporting exporters and reopening market access for high-demand products like rock lobster and bluefin tuna.

Photo: Ferguson’s lobster

South Australia’s seafood industry is poised to regain access to the Chinese market through a new initiative announced by the state government. With a budget of $475,000, the Seafood Export Growth Program aims to help seafood exporters such as those of southern rock lobster and southern bluefin tuna expand their international presence, in response to easing trade restrictions.

Since 2020, the export of Australian rock lobster to China has been halted due to the lack of import permits by the Chinese government. This has significantly impacted the industry given that in 2019, exports of South Australian southern rock lobster to China were valued at over $70 million. The recent stabilization of bilateral relations has led to an opportunity for these restrictions to be reassessed, potentially rejuvenating a major trade link for South Australian products.

The new government effort has been crafted in consultation with local seafood industry stakeholders. Its rollout is timely, as various tariffs on other Australian products like barley and wine have recently been lifted, marking a positive trend in trade relations with China.

Joe Szakacs, MP and Minister for Trade and Investment, highlighted the value of South Australia’s seafood, asserting its global demand. “Our trade relationship with China continues to be crucial for our state, representing our largest export will market, worth $3.9 billion – up 42 per cent year-on-year,” Szakacs stated.

The benefits of the program include support for South Australian seafood exporters to participate in major international trade fairs, the arrangement of familiarisation visits for key seafood importers to South Australia, and a targeted marketing campaign aimed at audiences in China and Japan. Additionally, access to trade advisors will be provided to build export capabilities, with information sessions planned to address market trends, regulations, and opportunities.

The program funding is set to cover the activities planned throughout the 2024-25 financial year. As trade dynamics continue to evolve, this program aims to ensure that South Australian seafood exporters are not only prepared to re-enter the Chinese market but are also equipped to explore and expand into other lucrative markets across Asia.

For more information about the Seafood Export Growth Program and to sign up for ongoing updates, please visit https://export.sa.gov.au/seafood-export.

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