Lobster exports from South Australia more than doubled over the past year, totalling $94.7 million South Australian rock lobster exports have reached record levels, with more of this prized seafood…

Lobster exports from South Australia more than doubled over the past year, totalling $94.7 million

South Australian rock lobster exports have reached record levels, with more of this prized seafood sold globally in the past year than ever before.

According to the latest trade data, lobster exports from South Australia more than doubled over the past year, totalling $94.7 million. This marks an increase of $54.6 million, or 136 per cent. The surge in exports follows China’s reopening to local seafood producers, South Australia’s top lobster export market. In just eight months since trade restrictions were lifted in late December last year, China has purchased over $64 million worth of premium South Australian lobster.

To further enhance the state’s seafood export sector, the South Australian Government launched the $475,000 Seafood Export Growth Program in July 2024. This initiative has already supported 27 seafood businesses by connecting them with trade advisers and facilitating meetings with key international buyers, both within South Australia and at global trade events.

Overall, the state’s seafood exports are now nearing a quarter of a billion dollars, having grown by nearly $100 million, or more than 60 per cent, in the past year. Japan remains South Australia’s largest seafood export market, with exports rising nearly 90 per cent (or $55.6 million) to $118.8 million. China has surged into second place, increasing more than fivefold (up 425 per cent) to $76.1 million.

Industry experts believe these figures highlight the resilience and global appeal of South Australia’s seafood industry, as well as the success of renewed trade ties with key Asian markets.