The Tasmanian Government has welcomed a decision by Chinese authorities to lift import bans on Australian rock lobster.
Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz, said China has had a history of providing exceptionally good prices for Tasmanian fishers and small family businesses.
“At a time where cost of living is biting, our export industry has never been so important to our locally run small businesses. It’s pleasing to have this resolved with the trade to be up and running again by the end of the year, and importantly, in time for the Chinese New Year in late January,” said Abetz.
“This will give a significant boost for our rock lobster sector right around Australia, but especially in Tasmania, given our deep red-coloured crayfish are especially prized in China.
“We remain 100 per cent committed to the success of our rock lobster industry, with our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future including our successful translocation program, which has relocated hundreds of thousands of rock lobster to better growing conditions on the East Coast.
“I will be in touch with the Tasmanian Rock Lobster Fishermen’s Association to offer all available assistance in resuming their valuable export market.”
The announcement comes as figures show that the nominal production value of Australian rock lobster is forecast to increase in 2023−24 to $403 million in nominal terms, due to higher prices from tight supply of live lobster exports to key Asian markets from North America.