China's continued unofficial ban on imports of Australian rock lobsters was raised by Australian treasurer Jim Chalmers during his visit to China for high-level economic talks, reports 168 Media.
The Australian government has removed most of the trade barriers imposed by China in 2020, but Chalmers was expected to lobby for the last major product still locked out: rock lobsters.
An unofficial ban was implemented when relations hit rock bottom after Australia's then-government called for an inquiry into COVID-19's origins. Chalmers said he is "cautiously optimistic" that the lobster barriers -- which prevent live lobster from entering the country -- could soon be removed.
The trip -- the first high-level visit since 2017 -- follows an Australian government outreach after Labour took power in 2022 and comes amid signs of recovering demand for Australian goods in China.
Below, you can see the value of Australian rock lobster exports, showing the loss of China but the increase in sales to Hong Kong
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