China to Revive Australian Lobster Imports, Closing Diplomatic Rift

China plans to resume importing Australian lobsters by year-end, ending a four-year trade dispute. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the timeline after meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. The move is eagerly awaited by Australia's lobster industry, reinstating lost trade ahead of the Chinese New Year.

China is set to renew its importation of Australian lobster by the end of the year, as announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday. This decision marks the conclusion of a prolonged diplomatic conflict that had significantly hindered billions in Australian exports to China.

During a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, which took place on the sidelines of a summit in Laos, Albanese confirmed the agreement to fully restore the lobster trade by the year's close. This development is anticipated to benefit the live lobster industry, particularly in regions such as Geraldton, South Australia, and Tasmania, coinciding with celebrations for Chinese New Year.

In late 2020, China had imposed unofficial restrictions on a range of Australian goods, stemming from heightened tensions after Canberra demanded an investigation into the origins of COVID-19. While most of these trade barriers have been lifted as diplomatic relations improved, lobster remained a notable exception until now.

(With inputs from agencies.)