Major export approvals for Australian sheep, lamb and goat export establishments to access China’s market have been welcomed by the Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC).
Published by the General Administration of Customs China, the approvals include access for chilled or frozen sheep and goat meat.
This includes access for ten establishments and expanded access for new product categories for seven establishments.
“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,” said AMIC chief executive officer, Tim Ryan.
“This is a fantastic and very welcome result for sheep and goat exporters and the entire sheep and goat industry supply chains.”
Ryan emphasised that this outcome is significant for Australian sheep, lamb, and goat processing and export businesses.
“This is a great outcome not only for these companies which have received new approvals, but the clients they process for as well the thousands of farmers they support through the livestock they purchase,” he added.
Through years of combined efforts between Australian government regulators – such as the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – opportunities have been created to meet China’s technical requirements.
“We welcome this important development and remain optimistic that dialogue and future approvals can continue to a point where all Australian meat processors operating under the Australian meat export system are able to access the Chinese market should they wish,” said Ryan.
Australia’s robust systems and quality assurance measures for production and export remain the driving force behind the new approvals. These opportunities mark a positive step forward for the future of the red meat supply chain.