New beef export establishment approved for China market

A new Australian beef establishment has been approved for export to China for the first time since 2017, thanks to ongoing technical discussions between the two countries.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said the development was another important step in stabilising the relationship between Australia and China.

“I welcome the news that Australian Meat Group (AMG) Dandenong has been approved for beef exports to China,” Minister Watt said.

“This expanded market access for AMG will mean more jobs for Australians in the meat industry. They already process around 1500 head of cattle every day at Dandenong and employ over 1000 people across their Dandenong and Cootamundra establishments.

“While AMG export to a number of other countries, China is a valued market for our exporters. More importantly, it’s the first new establishment listed for red meat exports since 2017.”

In 2022–23, Australia exported $2.3 billion of beef and veal to China, which accounted for 21% of Australia’s total beef and veal export value.

“The China market has long been an important destination for Australian beef and veal,” Minister Watt said.

“The only Chinese suspensions on Australian agricultural commodities are two meat processing establishments and live rock lobster exports.

“This approval is a further step in the right direction. The efforts of the Albanese Government to stabilise the relationship with China are paying real dividends for Australian farmers and processors, and we will continue to advocate for all agricultural trade to be restored.”