CHINA has lifted suspensions on three Australian meat export establishments.
China suspended exports from Teys Australia in Naracoorte, South Australia, Australian Lamb Company in Colac, Victoria and JBS in Melbourne between 2020 and early 2022.
But China’s customs agency lifted the bans this week, allowing the facilities to continue exporting to China following final administrative processes on both sides.
Eight meat export establishments remain suspended.
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said it is working to resolve the remaining “technical impediments” to trade.
Federal minister for trade and tourism Don Farrell said lifting suspensions on the three abattoirs was a positive step towards the stabilisation of Australia’s relationship with China.
“I will continue to press for the re-entry into China of Australian live lobster, and those red meat establishments which remain suspended,” he said.
“I am confident the dialogue we have with China will present pathways for other restrictions to be removed, and more Australian produce reaching Chinese consumers.”
Federal minister for agriculture, fisheries and forestry Murray Watt said the decision was welcome news for Australian farmers and meat processors.
“As our biggest trading partner, resuming normalised trade with China has been a win for our agricultural sector,” he said.
The South Australian government also welcomed the news – SA premier Nick Champion said the meat industry is an important part of the state’s economy.
“Progress at both state and federal levels is steadily stabilising relations with China, and we will continue to advocate for eased restrictions, including on wine and lobster,” he said.
Member for Mackillop, SA, Nick McBride said the Teys meatworks facility in Naracoorte employs hundreds of staff and is vital to town’s economy.
“It is my hope that lifting the ban will re-open the vital export market with China, leading to more processing at the plant, which in turn, will ultimately lead to more job opportunities at Teys.”
