Lobsters stranded at airport amid Australia-China trade dispute

Australian lobsters have been stranded at a Chinese airport amid an escalating dispute with our biggest trading partner.

Australian lobsters have been stranded at a Chinese airport prompting fears seafood could become the next victim of escalating trade tensions.

The premium rock lobsters have been subject to increased import inspections over the past few days.

This means exporters have faced a race against time to get them cleared through Chinese customs and into restaurants and shops before they are spoiled.

Any delay beyond 48 hours and the seafood delicacy is unlikely to survive.

Southern Rocklobster executive officer Tom Cosentino said a majority of exporters have stopped sending shipments to China until more is known about the new health and compliance checks.

“Whilst some cargo has been cleared, there are continued risks of delays while new processes are being implemented,” Mr Cosentino said.

“We’re confident that Australian rock lobster industry’s reputation as a global leader in quality, reliability and sustainability will meet the standards of the new process.”

Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said he was aware of reports of customs clearance issues related to premium shellfish imports into China and was working closely with the industry.

“All importers should be subjected to equivalent standards and there should be no discriminatory screening practices,” he said.

Australian lobsters have been subject to customs clearance issues in China.

“So far any industry concerns imply a breach of World Trade Organisation or China-Australia Free Trade Agreement commitments.

“Chinese authorities should rule out the use of any such discriminatory actions.”

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud told Sky News that China wanted to test up to 50 per of Australian rock lobsters for heavy metals.

“There is already arrangements within Australia to do testing to make sure the product we send is of highest class in the world,” Mr Littleproud said.

“The other issue we have serious concerns about is that Australia has been singled out on this.

“There has been no other nation that is exporting rock lobster into China that has been asked to do this.”

Australia is expecting clarification from Chinese officials on Monday.

The targeting of Australian lobsters follows Chinese spinning mills last month being discouraged from using Australian cotton.

Mr Littleproud said his Chinese counterpart had not responded to his letter about the cotton issue.

“But my door is always open and my phone is always on,” he said.

“While China is an important trading partner we also have created many other markets where our produce can go to.”

The Australian rock lobster industry and cotton industry are the latest to feel the wrath of trade tensions between Australia and its biggest trading partner, China.

Tariffs on barley, bans on some beef, restrictions on coal and an investigation into wine have been just a few of the impacts on Australian produce during the escalating dispute.

About 94 per cent of Australia’s $752 million of rock lobster exports were sent to China in 2018-19.

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Originally published as Lobsters stranded at airport amid Australia-China trade dispute