China and Australia agreed on the red meat imports but this week, China has temporarily banned beef exports from six Australian meatworks.
According to the Federal Government, Chinese side concerns about labelling non-compliance, that caused a pause in the importing the red meat from Australia. In March, the joint statement between two countries meant the number of meat processors permitted to export chilled beef to China will increase from 10 to 36.
On Tuesday, six meat Australian processors were warned about a forced pause in the economic relations, the companies affected are Kilcoy Pastoral, Australian Country Choice, the Northern Rivers Co-operative at Casino, and Thomas Food.
The Australian Meat Industry Council confirmed it was working with the Department of Agriculture through diplomatic channels on the issue.
Australian meat processors aren’t happy with the ban
The ban didn’t make happy the meat processors in Australia who have been working for years to gain better access to the Chinese market. Moreover, many shipments are currently on the water, so Trade Minister Steven Ciobo should work closely and constructively with industry and China to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
According to the Trade Ministry, Australia’s beef exports to China were worth more than $600 million last year, and China is the fourth-largest market. On Monday, the Government was formally notified by the Chinese Government about the ban and has been liaising with industry last night and today.
