Ipswich meat processing company JBS welcomes the end of Chinese export ban

One of Ipswich’s biggest employers has welcomed the lifting of an export ban following a trade war with China. It comes only months after it revealed a multimillion-dollar investment.

JBS Australia’s Dinmore meatworks facility, west of Brisbane was one of four Australian abattoirs banned by China in an apparent escalation of Beijing’s trade war in May 2020. Picture: Dan Peled.

One of Ipswich’s biggest employers has welcomed the end of a damaging trade war with China, just months after it announced a multimillion-dollar investment.

In February, meat processing company JBS injected more than 500 new jobs at its Dinmore processing plants after adding a second shift to meet growing demand.

The Dinmore processing facility was already the largest beef processing plan in the southern hemisphere, employing more than 1800 people.

JBS Australia CEO Brent Eastwood said over the past few months they had seen a gradual improvement in the beef sector and the trade announcement provided increased options for Australian beef in the important Chinese market.

“We were pleased to be advised that the Chinese government has lifted the last of the trade suspensions that had been imposed on our Dinmore and Beef City (Toowoomba) meat processing plants in Queensland,” Mr Eastwood said.

“We have always maintained a commitment to excellence, quality and safety in all our operations.

“This decision by the Chinese authorities reaffirms the high standards upheld by our plant.

“We extend our gratitude to the Australian government, our employees and our partners who have supported throughout this period.

“Their unwavering dedication and hard work have been instrumental in achieving this favourable outcome.

“As we move forward, we remain dedicated to delivering premium-quality products to our customers and fostering a prosperous, cooperative relationship with our Chinese counterparts”.

The news that China’s suspension of imports from local meat processors JBS Dinmore and Kilcoy Global foods meant they could now resume red meat exports.

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann and State Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum with meatworkers from JBS Dinmore. Picture: Supplied.

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann welcomed the lifting of the trade suspension, calling it great news for his electorate.

“This is great news for JBS Dinmore and Kilcoy Global Foods and their workers in my electorate, not to mention our cattle producers and the entire meat processing industry,” Mr Neumann said.

“These are some of the biggest employers in my electorate and they make a huge contribution to the local economy in Ipswich and the Somerset Region.

“The removal of trade impediments against these processors should restore hundreds of millions of dollars worth of red meat exports, which is a fantastic result.

“These processors already employ hundreds of local people and I would expect more jobs will be created as trade resumes”.

Mr Neumann said eight beef processing facilities have now had suspensions lifted, while two facilities remain suspended.

“The Australian Government continues to press China to remove the remaining trade impediments, including for Australia’s rock lobster industry.

Mr Neumann said the value of trade impediments had been reduced from $20 billion to less than $1 billion since May, 2022.

The removal of trade impediments has already had an impact, to the tune of more than $11.5 billion, for Australian barley, cotton, oaten hay, wine, coal, copper ores, citrus and stone fruits and timber logs.

“The Australian Government’s approach is to co-operate with China where we can, disagree where we must and engage in our national interest.”

Trade diversification was a key element of the Albanese Government’s trade policy strategy, he said.