Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that southern rock lobster exports to China are set to resume before the end of the year, and ahead of Lunar New Year. This development is, in part, due to the efforts made by the SA Government to enhance and stabilise its trade relationship with China, South Australia’s most significant trading partner.
The news was made public today following a series of high-level trade missions to China led by Premier Peter Malinauskas and Trade Minister Joe Szakacs. South Australia has been actively engaging with China through significant diplomatic visits, including a notable visit from Chinese Premier Li Qiang in June. During his stay, Premier Li was served local lobster at Penfolds Magill Estate, which had been specifically requested by Premier Malinauskas.
In preparation for the resumption of lobster exports, the SA Government had previously unveiled a $475,000 seafood support package in June, anticipating the lifting of trade restrictions with China. The Seafood Export Growth Program is designed to boost South Australia’s seafood industry by assisting exporters to attend major international trade events, attract key seafood importers to South Australia for familiarisation visits, and execute a targeted marketing campaign aimed at international markets including China and Japan. The program also offers access to trade advisers who will help build export capabilities.
This strategic focus on seafood exports is timely. According to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures, South Australian exports to China have reached an all-time high of $4.27 billion over the past 12 months. Tthe state’s seafood exports to various markets as of August 2024 were valued at $155.5 million.
Joe Szakacs, Trade Minister, shared “Our Government has remained on the front foot, ready to support our lobster exporters getting back into market as soon as markets opened.”
“That’s why we announced a nearly half a million dollar package back in June, so that support would be in place and ready to go as soon as possible.
“Our total exports to China are at an all time high and that is due to the work that our Government and the Federal Labor Government have undertaken to stabilise our relationship with China.
“I’ll be attending tonight’s Socceroos match versus China and will be having these conversations with Chinese businesspeople and officials.”
This initiative is part of a broader commitment by the South Australian Government to support local industries and expand their reach into international markets, ensuring the economic benefits of trade are felt across the state.
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