Rock lobster producers in Australia are eagerly awaiting a visit from Chinese Premier Li Qiang in the hopes of lifting crippling sanctions on their exports. Li’s visit will be the first by a Chinese premier in seven years, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has promised to discuss the issues with Li, including Chinese military actions towards Australian Defence Force personnel. The ban on exports to China has had a devastating impact on the industry, with revenue down to 50-60% of pre-pandemic levels, causing some businesses to exit the industry and others to cease trading.
Li will begin his visit in Adelaide, where he is expected to announce an extension of the loan of two pandas at the city’s zoo, and meet with winemakers and attend a lunch hosted by Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Trade Minister Don Farrell. He will then travel to Canberra for talks with Albanese before finishing his visit in Perth. The sanctions imposed by China in 2020, worth $20 billion, were in response to calls for an independent inquiry into the origins of COVID-19 by the former Coalition government. Since Labor came to office in 2022, China has dropped bans on exports, with only around $1 billion worth of trade restrictions remaining on rock lobsters and two meatworks.
South Australian lobster fisherman Kyri Toumazos expressed the catastrophic impact of the sanctions on the industry, with revenue significantly lower than before the pandemic. Many businesses have chosen to exit the industry, exporters have stopped trading, and traditional family businesses have had to sell their licenses. However, there have been positive signs and feedback indicating potential good news for the industry following Li’s visit. Producers are hopeful that the ban on exports to China will be lifted, allowing them to recover from the economic losses they have faced.
One of the key points of contention raised by Prime Minister Albanese with Li will be the dangerous actions of the Chinese military towards Australian Defence Force personnel in various incidents. The visit by Li presents an opportunity for discussions on sensitive issues between the two countries, including the lifting of sanctions and the improvement of diplomatic relations. Australian officials are keen to address these matters with Li during his visit to foster positive outcomes for both countries.
The extension of the loan of pandas at Adelaide’s zoo is expected to be announced during Li’s visit, reflecting the positive engagements between Australia and China on various fronts. In addition to meetings with winemakers and hosting by government officials, Li’s visit has the potential to strengthen bilateral relations and economic ties between the two countries. The lifting of bans on Australian exports by China following the change in government in Australia indicates a willingness to improve trade relations, and the visit by Li could further facilitate this process. Australian rock lobster producers are optimistic that positive outcomes will result from Li’s visit and that the ban on exports to China will be lifted, allowing the industry to recover from the impact of the sanctions.
