THE FEDERAL government has heralded Lunar New Year as an exciting opportunity for Australian food and agriculture exporters to China, with $20 billion worth of trade impediments now removed.

The final trade impediments, affecting Australian exports such as beef, wine and lobsters, were removed in December last year.

More than 900 tonnes of live rock lobsters have already been exported to China since the removal of impediments, the Australian government said today (29 January).

The government highlighted several other Australian products that would appear on dining tables in China, such as fresh cherries, which are a highly prized as a gift to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

Demand for cherries is expected to grow this financial year, after strong growth in 2024. Australia exported $14 million or 582 tonnes of cherries in 2023-24, an increase of 129% in value and 137% in volume.

Exports to China of Australian agricultural products previously affected by trade impediments have rebounded in 2024 year-on-year (January to October), the government said.

Barley increased 221% in value; wine increased more than 5000% in value; and timber logs (specifically, wood in the rough) increased upwards of 8000% in value.

China is Australia’s largest market for agricultural exports, worth $17.1 billion and accounting for around a quarter of total agricultural exports in 2023-24.

Federal trade minister Don Farrell said the government’s engagement and advocacy has resulted in the removal of around $20 billion worth of Chinese trade impediments, benefiting Australian farmers and exporters.

“But we will not rest on our laurels – we are committed to creating even more export opportunities for Australian farmers and producers,” he said.

“Every product we export means more national income and more well-paying Australian jobs.”

And minister for agriculture, fisheries and forestry Julie Collins said Australia has “an outstanding reputation” as a supplier of high-quality agricultural products in China, and that the government is focused on strengthening its trade relationships.

“In 2023-24, we recorded 88 market access achievements which opened, improved, maintained, or restored access for Australian businesses, including unlocking 10 new markets,” she said.

Ms Collins noted Australia exports more than 70% of its agricultural, fisheries and forestry production to 169 markets globally.