Government

South Australian lobster trade returns to China in time for Lunar New Year

In a long-awaited milestone, South Australian southern rock lobsters are making their way back to Chinese markets after a four-year trade hiatus.

In a long-awaited milestone, South Australian southern rock lobsters are making their way back to Chinese markets after a four-year trade hiatus. This timely revival comes just in time for Lunar New Year celebrations, one of China’s most significant annual festivals.

The first shipment, courtesy of Ferguson Australia, is set to arrive in Shanghai today, bringing premium seafood back to Chinese menus as festive preparations ramp up.

The breakthrough follows extensive efforts by the SA Government to rebuild trade ties with China. After successfully resolving barriers on barley in 2023 and wine last year, the final hurdle was cleared with the removal of restrictions on live lobster exports.

In anticipation of this moment, the Malinauskas Government rolled out the $475,000 Seafood Export Growth Program in June. This initiative has already helped South Australian producers reconnect with key Chinese buyers during major trade events and will continue to support the industry through overseas buyer visits, trade shows, and enhanced export support.

At its peak, South Australia exported over $70 million worth of southern rock lobsters to China annually. The revival of this trade signals a significant economic boost for the state and a step forward for Australia’s trade relationship with China.

Joe Szakacs, Minister for Trade and Investment, said, “Following the resumption of wine exports to China in March of last year, it’s fantastic to see another premium South Australian product making its way back into China.”

“It’s particularly important that SA lobsters are arriving in China via direct air freight from Adelaide, thanks to the Malinauskas Government securing China Southern Airlines direct flights.”

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven said, “This is a great step for our state’s lobster fishing industry. The re-establishment of export to China is a huge boost, after the difficulties of recent years, and will make a significant difference to our coastal communities.”

As local producers celebrate this return to one of their most vital markets, South Australian rock lobster is once again set to shine on Chinese plates during a season of prosperity and abundance.

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