China has lifted the remaining suspensions on two Australian meat processing establishments, paving the way for full resumption of red meat exports to the country.
This development follows the lifting of suspensions on eight beef processing facilities in May this year.
China is the second largest market for Australian beef and veal after the United States. The removal of the final two suspensions marks a return to business as usual for beef and veal exports, which topped $2.2 billion in 2023-24.
Today’s announcement follows forecasts that Australia’s red meat exports are set to break records in 2024–25.
The boost of red meat exports is forecast to push the overall value of agriculture, fisheries and forestry to $94.3 billion, the second highest on record, according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences.
The Federal Government welcomes the announcement, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese saying it was great news for Australian producers, exporters, and farmers.
“It’s a win for trade and a win for Australian jobs, something my Government will always back,” he said.
Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell, also spoke about the importance of the announcement.
“We are close to the point where China’s trade impediments which impacted $20 billion worth of Australian exports have all been removed,” he said.
“The removal of trade impediments has not only saved, but also created thousands of new jobs in Australia.
“Beef producers in Queensland, wine makers in South Australia, and barley growers in Western Australia, have all benefited from this Government’s steady hand on the trade tiller.”