The Australian lobster sector is hopeful of an imminent return to the lucrative Chinese market.
Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-operative CEO Marc Anderson, who took over the position in March, said at the 2024 Seafood Expo Global his organization is “very optimistic” that exports of live lobster into China will soon be permitted after being blocked since 2020. Based in North Fremantle, Australia, Geraldton had built up a large presence in the Chinese lobster market under its Brolos brand.
“There are negotiations going on at the government level, and we have seen the normalization of wine exports and barley; we hope lobsters could be next,” Anderson told SeafoodSource.
Australian lobsters have been locked out of China since November 2020 as a result of a souring of the Sino-Australian economic relationship. Since that time, Australian exporters have reduced their reliance on China by seeking new buyers in America and Asia, according to Anderson. However, the premium prices paid by Chinese buyers make that market very attractive. Many Chinese buyers prize the appearance of the Australian lobster, suggesting its dragon-like markings are auspicious.
Last November, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese showed up at the China Import/Export Fair in Shanghai for a photo session featuring Australian lobsters, leading to speculation that a reopening of the market was ...
