China trade sanctions dropped for Naracoorte abattoir
Teys Australia’s meat processing plant at Naracoorte is one of three Australian facilities on which China lifted trade sanctions today.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese meets with China’s President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, Monday, November 6, 2023. Photo: AAP/Lukas Coch.
China has lifted suspensions off three Australian abattoirs, in a further easing of punitive trade sanctions imposed on the nation’s exports.
China’s Customs agency announced the removal of the bans on Teys Australia Naracoorte in South Australia, Australian Lamb in Colac, Victoria and JBS in Melbourne.
But eight Australian red meat processing facilities remain suspended.
The bans were introduced between 2020 and early 2022, with Beijing citing COVID-19 cases in the workforce and labelling issues.
China slapped sanctions worth $20 billion on Australian products during the height of diplomatic tensions in 2020.
Australian Meat Industry Council chief executive Patrick Hutchison said industry would not need to diversify, as businesses took a “cautious approach” on the opportunities offered up by China.
“We will continue to advocate strongly for all remaining suspended plants to also regain access to China as a matter of priority,” he said.
“We hope this represents a restabilisation of the trade in meat to China which will also allow for a process and pathway for new access to the market.”
Federal Trade Minister Don Farrell welcomed the decision and called for the other bans to be lifted.
“This is another positive step towards the stabilisation of our relationship with China,” the South Australian senator said.
“The Albanese government will keep pressing for the remaining trade impediments to be removed as soon as possible.”
Trade and Investment Minister Nick Champion said the state government welcomed China’s decision to lift suspensions on the Naracoorte abattoir.
The state government said in 2012, prior to the suspension of Teys’ export licence, South Australian beef exports to China were valued at $74.5 million. The most recent ABS data shows SA meat exports over the last 12 months fell to $10.7 million.
“Today’s announcement is positive news for Teys – and for the state’s strengthening relationship with an important trade and economic partner,” Champion said.
“This multi-million-dollar industry is an important part of our state’s economy, and the easing of these restrictions will provide a welcome trading and jobs boost.
“Progress at both State and Federal levels is steadily stabilising relations with China – and we will continue to advocate for eased restrictions, including on wine and lobster.”
– with AAP
