Chinese demand for Tasmanian produce solid in the face of pandemic

Coronavirus has failed to dent global demand for Tasmanian produce, with exports to China soaring to almost $1.5 billion. READ THE FULL REPORT HERE >>

CORONAVIRUS has failed to dent global demand for Tasmanian produce, with exports remaining strong at $3.65 billion despite the pandemic interrupting trade.

Tasmania’s exports to China in particular have soared despite rising tensions between the two nations.

Chinese consumers bought almost $1.5 billion worth of goods from Tassie in the past year, the latest ABS trade figures show.

Premier Peter Gutwein (centre) speaking with Michael Blake (right) from the Australian Southern Rock Lobster Export Association about the southern rock lobster industry at Victoria Dock in Hobart. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Tasmania’s business community and Trade Minister Simon Birmingham welcomed the news amid fears the pandemic would impact the state’s overseas trade.

“It’s clear that Tasmanian produce continues to have a strong reputation and be highly sought after across our key export markets,” Minister Birmingham said.

Chelsea Tatnell on board the Muddy Waters in Dover. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“This is a credit to our hardworking exporters, that even in these challenging times, their high-quality, safe and reliable produce remains in demand around the world.”

Tasmania sent $1.47 billion worth of goods to China in 2019-20, new ABS trade figures released this week show.

That’s up $316 million from the year before, and an increase of $429 million on 2017-18.

Seafood in particular had remained strong despite the pandemic, Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry boss Michael Bailey said.

Coralie Marra, 28 from France picks cherries at Reid Fruits in Huonville. Picture: Zak Simmonds

He expected demand to remain high in the year ahead, saying: “We know there is really increasing demand for Tasmanian goods internationally.”

“A lot of our businesses do sell to mainland markets too, which has held up really strongly as well.”

Mr Birmingham said the federal government’s support to keep critical freight routes open had helped Tasmanian exporters get their produce overseas during the pandemic.

Mark Salter is Reid Fruits production manager at their Plenty orchard and is pictured among Kordia cherry trees that are in full blossom ready for a bumper crop. PIC: MATT THOMPSON