Australia's government announced on Dec. 20 that live rock lobster exports to China will resume immediately, following a notification from China that trade restrictions have been lifted.
This ends the trade barriers imposed in 2020 after Australia called for an inquiry into COVID-19's origins.
Australian trade minister Don Farrell called it a "fantastic outcome" for both Australian lobster producers and Chinese consumers, who will be able to enjoy the crustacean ahead of the Lunar New Year.
"It is in Australia's national interest to have a constructive relationship with our largest trading partner and to have Australia's top exports purchased by China's consumers," he said. "The government will continue to support Australian businesses in selling their world-class products on the global stage."
The resumption of live rock lobster exports to China is expected to have substantial economic benefits and deliver job security for fishing communities in regional areas.
Post-COVID, Australian exporters faced impediments to exporting wine, barley, coal, cotton, timber logs, oaten hay, copper ores and concentrates and red meat into China -- around AUD 20 billion ($12bn) worth of Australian products.
The removal of restrictions on lobster marks the final resolution of all outstanding impediments to trade from that period.
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