China Lifts Four-Year Ban on Australian Rock Lobster Imports
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China has lifted a four-year ban on Australian rock lobster imports, marking a significant step in the ongoing stabilization of relations between the two countries, reports the Wall Street Journal.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Friday that China had notified Australia of the immediate resumption of live rock lobster trade. This follows an agreement reached between Albanese and Chinese Premier Li Qiang in October to resolve the trade impasse by year-end.
Beijing imposed restrictions on various Australian products in 2020, including lobsters, wine, barley, and coal, amidst a diplomatic rift stemming from then-Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison's call for a global inquiry into the initial Covid-19 outbreak in China.
The removal of the lobster embargo marks the final resolution of all outstanding trade restrictions from that period, Australian officials stated.
The resumption of live rock lobster exports is expected to significantly benefit Australian fishing communities in regional areas. China, Australia's largest trading partner, purchased over A$700 million (approximately US$437 million) worth of Australian lobsters in 2019.
"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," said Trade Minister Don Farrell.