Exports of apples and meat are tipped to increase after China granted greater market access to Australian producers.
This follows the signing of a new biosecurity protocol between Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and China’s General Administration of Customs.
According to Apple and Pear Australia, mainland apples will now have the opportunity to build on the strong foundation established by Tasmania’s successful exports to China, under a protocol that includes cold treatment for the management of fruit fly.
Chief executive Philip Turnbull welcomed the new agreement, emphasising the potential for Australian growers to diversify.
“Market access for Australian mainland apples into China is a significant milestone that will provide Australian growers with a valuable opportunity to expand beyond the domestic market and establish a presence in one of the world’s most lucrative fresh produce markets,” Mr Turnbull said.
“Access to China offers Australian growers an exciting opportunity to showcase the quality, crispness, and flavour of our apples to an entirely new audience.
“The signing of this protocol is an important step forward, enhancing the industry’s competitiveness both internationally and domestically.”
The Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC), meanwhile, has welcomed new approvals for seventeen Australian sheep, lamb and goat export establishments to access the China market.
This outcome is seen as “a significant win” for Australian sheep, lamb and goat processing and export businesses with benefits across the red meat supply chain.
The approvals published by the General Administration of Customs China include access for chilled and frozen sheep and goat meat, and includes new access for ten establishments, and expanded access for new product categories for seven establishments.
AMIC chief executive Tim Ryan said the outcome was the result of years of sustained effort by government and industry.
“AMIC has worked tirelessly to advocate for wider and improved access for Australian processors, via engagement with government as well as our industry partners in China,” Mr Ryan said.
“This is a fantastic and very welcome result for sheep and goat exporters and the entire sheep and goat industry supply chains.
“Australian meat processors and exporters are committed to providing consumers with reliable supply and the highest levels of assurance.”
Mr Ryan said they welcomed opportunities to demonstrate to China’s regulators that Australia had “robust systems and quality assurance measures” to reliably produce and export safe, quality meat and meat products.
These agreements have occurred as China engages in a trade conflict with the United States, potentially leading to greater business opportunities for Australian exporters.
Australia previously incurred China’s wrath during the COVID-19 pandemic, when a deterioration in relations resulted in tariffs being imposed upon several Australian products and goods including meat, barley and wine.
Data from Wine Australia has showed that Australian wine exports to China topped one billion dollars Australia in the 12 months since tariffs were lifted in March 2024, but volumes are not yet back to pre-tariff levels.
