The South Australian rock lobster fishery remains the state’s most valuable wild catch fishery, with exports valued at $40 million in the year to August 2024.
China is the world’s largest seafood import market – valued at more than US$20 billion annually – and has been one of South Australia’s most significant seafood export markets. At their peak in 2020, SA live rock lobster exports to China were valued at $73 million.
With trade set to resume before the end of the year, and ahead of Lunar New Year, the South Australian Government’s $475,000 Seafood Export Growth Program is ready to kick into gear.
Designed and delivered by the Department of State Development (DSD), in partnership with the state’s seafood industry, the program will:
- provide support for seafood exporters to showcase their product and connect with key buyers at major international trade events
- bring key seafood importers to South Australia to experience our world-class fisheries and premium offering
- deliver a campaign to build interest, excitement and demand for our product in China and other markets
- provide expert trade advisory services to help exporters build their capability and understanding of market trends.
The program will kick off next month when DSD supports six of our leading seafood exporters to exhibit at China’s largest trade show – the China International Import Expo – alongside 20 other local premium food and wine exporters.
In February 2025, DSD will coordinate a week-long visit to South Australia by leading seafood importers from China, Hong Kong and Singapore, including visits to world-leading fishing regions in the Eyre Peninsula and the Southeast.
And in March and April 2025, the South Australian Government will lead a Taste of South Australia Seafood Trade Mission to China, giving exporters a high-level platform to re-engage with industry and consumers.
Local exporters are also expected to enjoy the benefits of China Southern Airlines recommencing direct flights between Adelaide and Guangzhou from December, providing fresh produce exporters a direct air freight channel to our largest export market.
As the Seafood Export Growth Program was also designed to help the industry to diversify into other markets, South Australia will also support local exporters to attend major global industry events, such as the Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, and Osaka World Expo.
