Joint media release: China lifts suspensions on five meat establishments

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong
Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator the Hon Murray Watt

The Australian Government has confirmed that China’s suspension of five meat processing establishments has been lifted with immediate effect.

Eight beef processing facilities have now had suspensions lifted, while two facilities remain suspended.

We continue to press China to remove the remaining trade impediments, including for Australia’s rock lobster industry.

The progress so far affirms the calm and consistent approach taken by the Albanese Labor Government. 

Trade impediments imposed by China prior to the May 2022 election resulted in a $20.6 billion reduction in exports.

China’s progressive removal of impediments since then, including today’s announcement, means less than $1 billion worth of exports remain impeded.

The lifting of impediments has already had a real-world impact – to the tune of more than $11.5 billion – for Australian barley, cotton, oaten hay, wine, coal, copper ores and timber logs.

The Australian Government's approach is to cooperate with China where we can, disagree where we must and engage in our national interest.

Trade diversification is a key element of the Government's trade policy strategy. The Government will continue to support Australian businesses to sell their world-class products on the global stage.