News

The South Australian Government welcomes Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s announcement that southern rock lobster exports to China are set to resume before the end of the year, and ahead of Lunar New Year.

Today’s announcement follows a concentrated effort by the South Australian Government to continue its work reengaging and stabilising its relationship with China, the state’s largest trading partnership.

This has included high-level trade missions led by the SA Government.

South Australia has also seen significant inbound engagement by China, including the historic visit of Premier Li Qiang in June, and in August hosted for the first time the Australia-China High Level Dialogue.

During his visit to South Australia, Premier Li was served local lobster at Penfolds Magill Estate.

In June a $475,000 South Australian Government seafood package was announced ahead of the expected lifting of trade restrictions.

The Seafood Export Growth Program includes:

• Support for SA seafood exporters to attend major international trade events to meet with local buyers
• Bringing key seafood importers to South Australia for familiarisation visits
• A marketing campaign for international audiences including China and Japan
• Access to trade advisers to assist with export capability building

Latest ABS stats show South Australian exports to China are at record highs, with $4.27 billion of local goods sold to China over the past 12 months.

South Australian seafood exports to all markets in the year to August 2024 were valued at $155.5 million.