The ban was imposed after China claimed to have detected heavy metal contamination in the lobsters—an allegation that both the government and industry have denied
The Tasmanian Liberal Government welcomes the decision by Chinese authorities to lift the import bans on Australian rock lobster.
Eric Abetz, Minister for Business, Industry, and Resources stated that China has a history of offering exceptionally good prices for Tasmanian fishers and small family businesses.
“At a time when the cost of living is rising, our export industry is crucial for our locally run small businesses,” said Minister Abetz.
“It’s encouraging to have this issue resolved, with trade expected to resume by the end of the year, just in time for the Chinese New Year in late January.
“This will provide a significant boost to our rock lobster sector across Australia, especially in Tasmania, where our deep red-coloured crayfish are highly valued in China.”
“We remain fully committed to the success of our rock lobster industry, which is outlined in our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future. This plan includes our successful translocation program, which has relocated hundreds of thousands of rock lobsters to better-growing conditions on the East Coast.”
“I will reach out to the Tasmanian Rock Lobster Fishermen’s Association to offer all available assistance in resuming their valuable export market.”
Before the ban, Australian rock lobster exports to China were worth approximately $700 million a year. These exports were halted during a broader campaign of economic punishment against Australia in 2020 and 2021 when bilateral relations deteriorated.
China has already removed tariffs and barriers on various other Australian products, including wine, coal, and barley, leaving lobsters as the last major industry still excluded from this significant market.
The ban was imposed after China claimed to have detected heavy metal contamination in the lobsters—an allegation that both the government and industry have denied.
