From SeafoodNews On February 14, the Australian National Broadcasting Corporation reported that after more than two years of unofficial bans, Australia's $750 million lobster trade with China may be about to restart.

Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell said an unnamed exporter applied for a license and was not immediately refused. A few days ago, Don Farrell held a video conference with China's trade minister and received an invitation to visit Beijing for more negotiations.

Don Farrell said any move to help resolve trade barriers would be welcome.

If the ban is lifted, lobster could become the second-biggest commodity after coal.

A spokesman for Geraldton Fisherman's Co-operative in Western Australia said it had not seen any changes to Chinese customs or trade rules and they were awaiting further information.

The cooperative controls three-quarters of the world's largest rock lobster fishery.