Beijing, Dec 3 (UNI) China has lifted the last restrictions on Australian beef imports imposed in 2020 amid trade tensions between the two countries, the Australian prime minister's office said on Tuesday.
"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," the prime minister's office said in a statement.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised China's move as beneficial for Australian exporters.
"This is great news for Australian exporters, producers and farmers ... It's a win for trade and a win for Australian jobs – something my Government will always back," Albanese was quoted as saying by his office.
Australia, one of the largest beef suppliers to China, saw its export volumes drop after Canberra called for an independent investigation into the origins of COVID-19, leading to a deterioration in diplomatic relations between the nations. In 2020, China suspended imports from several Australian meat processors, citing labeling violations and other technical issues.
The lifting of restrictions on the last two meat processors follows similar moves affecting eight other facilities. The full resumption of meat trade is expected to achieve record figures in the 2024-2025 fiscal year, building on last year’s exports, which exceeded $1.4 billion.
China is Australia’s largest trading partner. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, trade between the two countries reached $225 billion in 2023.
UNI SPUTNIK GNK