The Lobster Working Group (LWG) continues to work closely with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to progress the restoration of live lobster trade with China. While there have been some positive developments in recent months, we have not yet secured a breakthrough on market access.

In July, the General Administration of Customs China (GACC) communicated to DAFF a set of requirements that would need to be addressed to resume trade. These relate to monitoring, testing, registration and auditing of Australia's live lobster export systems and establishments. The LWG has been consulting extensively with DAFF on these matters to develop an appropriate response that addresses China's concerns while remaining workable for industry.

DAFF has now provided a formal written response to GACC outlining Australia's proposed approach. DAFF officials will travel to Beijing for face-to-face discussions on outstanding issues this week. 

After DAFF has clarified GACC’s final position in relation to Australia’s proposed approach, STAG will coordinate a series of wider consultations with industry, including fishers, processors, exporters, regulators, and other stakeholders, to discuss compliance with China’s requests. 

The LWG recognises the ongoing difficulties faced by lobster exporters and fishing communities due to the prolonged trade disruption. We continue to emphasise to government the urgency of resolving this issue and the need for timely progress in discussions with Chinese authorities.

A delegation of LWG members visited Canberra in early August to make representations to senior ministers and officials on the importance of restoring the trade. Members of this delegation called for an intervention at the highest political level to spur faster movement towards resolving the issue. 

Additionally, industry representatives travelled to China in late August to engage with counterpart organisations and attend trade events, as part of efforts to rebuild relationships in our most important market. Chinese interlocutors were hopeful of a return to normal trade, however there was no market access breakthrough or specific timeline discussed. 

We remain cautiously optimistic that a resolution can be achieved in the coming months and will provide further updates as new information becomes available. The LWG appreciates the patience and resilience of the industry during this challenging period.

For further information or to discuss the lobster trade with China, please do not hesitate to contact:

Matt Taylor: 0438 855 863 

Tom Cosentino: 0450 040 634 

Nathan Maxwell McGinn: 0409 680 731 

Veronica Papacosta: 0437 779 733

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If you have any further feedback or questions for the Seafood Trade Advisory Group (STAG) please fell free to contact us at admin@seafoodtradeadvisory.com
 

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The Seafood Trade Advisory Group (STAG) creates informative resources for Australian seafood exporters. The STAG receives funds from the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC). It is jointly funded by the Australian government and the fishing industry, which is a statutory authority within the portfolio of the Federal Minister for Agriculture Water and the Environment. 

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