AVN Web Desk
CANBERRA: Australian beef exports to China are expected to have a major turnaround following the lifting of suspensions imposed on five companies during the trade war, Agriculture Minister Murray Watt announced recently.
Five major Australian beef exporters, previously barred from trading with China, have now been cleared to resume exports, Minister Watt confirmed. Beijing’s decision, effective immediately, marks a vital step in restoring trade relations between the two countries.
Among the reinstated meat companies are prominent names such as the Kilcoy Pastoral Company, Meramist at Caboolture, and JBS-owned facilities like Beef City and Dinmore, alongside the Northern Cooperative Meat Company at Casino, according to meat industry analyst Simon Quilty.
These firms collectively contributed around $1 billion worth of beef exports before being suspended due to technical issues amid the trade tensions of 2020.
The recent move by Beijing follows the lifting of Covid-related suspensions on three Australian abattoirs in December, leaving only John Dee and Australian Country Choice still under suspension.
The Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC) expressed satisfaction with Beijing’s decision, calling it a “great outcome” that benefits not only the companies involved but also the farmers and feedlots supported through cattle purchases. AMIC reiterated its commitment to working with the government to ensure the remaining suspensions are lifted promptly.
Former Trade Minister Dan Tehan hailed the lifting of suspensions as a recognition by China that its sanctions had been ineffective and damaging to its own interests. He credited both the previous Coalition government and the current Albanese Labor government for their efforts in resolving the complexities of trade relations.
While China maintains that the suspensions were primarily due to Covid regulations or technical issues such as labeling errors, the recent development signals a positive trajectory in restoring bilateral trade ties between Australia and China.
