The Australian government announced that China will officially resume the import trade of live Australian lobster from December 20.

Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell said: "The lifting of the ban is a very good outcome for both Australian lobster producers and Chinese consumers, and this seafood will be back on the Chinese New Year menu in 2025."

"We have a constructive relationship with our largest trading partner and it is in Australia's national interest to have Chinese consumers buying Australia's top exports." The Government will continue to support Australian businesses to sell world-class products on the global stage." Farrell said the resumption of exports to China was expected to bring significant economic benefits to the Australian lobster industry and provide job security for the regional fishing community.

The lifting of China's restrictions on Australian lobster marks the final resolution of all outstanding trade obstacles since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, Australia exported 5,500 tonnes of live lobsters to China, worth A $450 million.