THE Queensland government has launched a China Trade and Investment Strategy 2026 – 2028 document, highlighting export opportunities in such areas as minerals and fruit.
The report notes that China was Queensland’s largest two-way trading partner, with two-way goods trade valued at $42.5 billion in 2025-26.
"Coal remains one of the most significant commodities in the Queensland-China trade relationship, underpinning high export earnings and long-standing commercial ties between the two economies," the report states.
"Queensland is Australia's leading LNG exporter and China is a key market for Queensland-produced LNG, supporting China's energy security and transition to lower-emissions energy sources.
"LNG trade has strengthened the Queensland-China economic relationship by underpinning long-term supply agreements and significant investment in Queensland's gas export industry."
The report notes Queensland’s strengths in agriculture, guided by the Queensland Government's Primary Industries Prosper 2050 – Delivering Now 2026-2030 strategy.
"This creates significant opportunities for trade partnerships, innovation and value-added processing," Trade and Investment Queensland states.
"As one of Australia’s agricultural powerhouses, Queensland accounts for around 48% of the nation’s beef cattle, 95% of sugarcane production, 79% of macadamia production and is a major producer of cotton and horticultural products including mandarins and citrus.
"This well-rounded strength gives Queensland the edge as an exporter.
Trade minister Ros Bates said Queensland’s longstanding relationship with China was built upon strong foundations of mutual respect, shared prosperity and deep economic and cultural connections.
"From the early contribution of Chinese migrants to Queensland’s agricultural sector to today’s vibrant trade, investment and education links, China continues to play an important role in Queensland’s economic success," Ms Bates said.
"China remains Queensland’s largest trading partner, an important source of foreign direct investment and the state’s largest source of international student enrolments.
She said the Queensland government was strengthening engagement with China as the global economy continued to evolve.
Queensland's strengths in resources, food and agribusiness, energy, advanced manufacturing, health, education and research position the state to meet the demands of a rapidly changing market and contribute to China's long-term economic and social development."