The SA Government is propelling South Australian seafood, and specifically live lobster, into the Chinese market by supporting local businesses at the China International Import Expo (CIIE). The expo commenced on the 5th of this month in Shanghai and will run until the 10th of November. This move reflects an impending policy change, as trade restrictions on live lobster are expected to lift shortly. The value of Australian live lobster exports once reached an annual high of $71 million.
The expo will feature a diverse selection of exhibitors from across the globe. South Australia will be represented by 26 businesses, of which six are key players in the seafood industry. These companies are participating under a broader initiative backed by a $475,000 Seafood Export Growth Program introduced by the state government.
The expo opens a direct marketing opportunity for these businesses to engage with potential buyers and importers through various events. It will include cooking demonstrations and business matching events for “Team Australia” at the Austrade pavilion.
Joe Szakacs, Minister for Trade and Investment, highlighted the timely nature of the event, coinciding with upcoming regulatory changes that will re-open the lucrative Chinese market to South Australian lobster exporters. “China’s trade restrictions on live lobster have now been in place for more than four years, and our Government is committed to helping our exporters re-enter the market as swiftly as possible once these restrictions are removed,” said Szakacs.
The Seafood Export Growth Program plans to bring crucial seafood importers to South Australia. The initiatives include a targeted marketing campaign that extends beyond China to other markets including Japan. The program offers local businesses access to trade advisers aimed at bolstering their export capabilities.
The timing of CIIE coincides with the announcement of the restoration of live lobster trade relations between Australia and China, further highlighting the significance of this event. Andrew Ferguson, Managing Director of Ferguson Australia, said, “the timing now with the announcement of the re-entry of Australian live lobster into China couldn’t be better,” said Ferguson. “Trade shows like CIIE are crucial for maintaining existing relationships and forging new ones.”
China remains South Australia’s largest trading partner. The latest statistics indicate a 46 percent surge in merchandise exports to China, reaching an all-time high of $4.27 billion for the year ending August 2024. This emphasises the critical role China plays in the economic blueprint of South Australia, particularly within trade and export sectors.
With China Southern Airlines poised to resume flights in December and the CIIE taking place over the coming days, South Australian exports are strategically positioned to maximise their market re-entry and tap into the huge demand from one of the world’s largest economies.
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