Joint Media Release: Final Chinese trade impediments on red meat establishments lifted

Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese MP
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong
Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator Don Farrell
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP

The Albanese Labor Government welcomes China lifting the remaining suspensions on two Australian meat processing establishments, paving the way for full resumption of red meat exports to China.

This development follows the lifting of suspensions on eight beef processing facilities over the past year.

The Government has consistently advocated for the final two establishments in Queensland to be able to resume exports into China.

China is the second largest market for Australian beef and veal after the United States. The removal today of the final two suspensions marks a return to business as usual for beef and veal exports, which topped $2.2 billion in 2023-24.

Today’s announcement follows forecasts that Australia’s red meat exports are set to break records in 2024–25.

The boost of red meat exports is forecast to push the overall value of agriculture, fisheries and forestry to $94.3 billion, the second highest on record, according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

"This is great news for Australian exporters, producers and farmers.

"Since we were elected we've worked tirelessly to resume trade and that's exactly what we are seeing.

"It's a win for trade and a win for Australian jobs – something my Government will always back."

Quotes attributable to Foreign Minister, Penny Wong:

“The removal of all impediments on Australian beef exports to China affirms the calm and consistent approach taken by the Albanese Labor Government.

“The Government will continue to support Australian businesses to sell their world-class products on the global stage, including through efforts to diversify and expand trade markets.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell:

"We are close to the point where China’s trade impediments which impacted $20 billion worth of Australian exports have all been removed.

“The removal of trade impediments has not only saved, but also created thousands of new jobs in Australia.

“Beef producers in Queensland, wine makers in South Australia, and barley growers in Western Australia, have all benefited from this Government’s steady hand on the trade tiller.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:

“I welcome today’s news by China and thank our red meat industry and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry officials who have worked so hard to get this outcome.

“Concerted engagement and advocacy with our largest trading partner have been rewarded with the lifting of suspensions on all Australian meat export facilities in the past 12 months.  

“In 2023-24, Australia exported over 70 per cent of its agricultural, fisheries and forestry production to 169 markets globally – the most diversified trade has ever been. This is thanks to our Government.”