“This is a great outcome” – China approves apples and more abattoirs for export

Sheep and apple producers are rejoicing as China approves 17 more abattoirs and apples grown on the mainland for export.

Australian sheep and apple farmers are rejoicing after China approved a swag of new abattoirs to supply lamb, sheep and goat meat, and the import of apples grown on the mainland.

And it could just be the start of better trading conditions for Australia as the fallout from President Donald Trump’s tariffs regime starts to flow through.

The abattoir approvals, announced on Monday, coincided with a big leap in mutton prices that were up to $80 dearer at Bendigo’s market and saw a similar rise at Corowa.

Episode 3 director Matt Dalgleish said he believed the approval by China of more abattoirs was linked to the new global trading environmnent.

“There are several countries that are re-assessing their trade situation given the uncertain nature of the current US administration presently,” Mr Dalgliesh said.

“There have been several Chinese restaurant chains that have looked to switch supply of beef from US to Australia in recent weeks.

“And I think the Chinese will be looking at all alternative options for meat protein from Australia, South America and Canada and Australia could fill some gaps certainly for red meat.”

The red meat industry’s peak body, the Australian Meat Industry Council, said the approvals for 17 Australian sheep, lamb and goat export establishments to export to China was “a significant win for Australian sheep, lamb and goat processing and export businesses”.

Mr Ryan said the approvals would benefit the entire red meat supply chain.

“The approvals published by the General Administration of Customs China include access for chilled and frozen sheep and goat meat, and includes new access for 10 establishments, and expanded access for new product categories for seven establishments,” Mr Ryan said.

“The outcome is the result of years of sustained effort by government and industry and reflects the strength of the China-Australia bilateral relationship.

“This is a fantastic and very welcome result for sheep and goat exporters and the entire sheep and goat industry supply chains.”

Mr Ryan said the industry was optimistic of future approvals, and potentially that all Australian meat processors could access the Chinese market.

The 10 new establishment approvals for lamb or goat products were mostly based in Victoria at Mildura, Cobram, Warrnambool, Cranbourne, Ararat, Stawell and Swan Hill. Meanwhile, Gundagai, NSW, Cressy, Tasmania, and Lobethal, South Australia, would also receive access to the Chinese market.

Companies with new approvals included Tasmanian Quality Meats, Ararat Meat Exports, Wagstaff Cranbourne, JBS Australia, Meatco Australia, Thomas Foods International Lobethal, Thomas Foods International Stawell, Woodward Foods Australia and Gundagai Meats.

The approvals came as lamb and sheep markets returned to a full killing schedule after two weeks of disruptions due to Easter and Anzac Day public holidays.

The National Livestock Reporting Service said mutton was up to $80 dearer at Bendigo selling up to 780c/kg carcass weight while at Corowa, mutton sheep were up to $70 higher than the last sale.

Lamb prices also showed rises, with the best heavy export types selling close to $300 at Mondays’ markets.

APPLES’ APPROVAL FOLLOWS YEARS OF DELAY

The green light for Australian apples grow on the mainland follows at least seven years of negotiations, largely around biosecurity concerns, and represents a turning point for the industry which has been beset by years of low prices as growers grapple with the might of Australia’s two major retailers.

Apple and Pear Australia Limited’s head of government relations Jeremy Griffith said this was the industry’s first export opportunity with a premium Asian market, naming China, Korea, Japan and Taiwan as the most sought after export destinations.

“We need viable competition and there’s no question, if you have an alternative market, that will being a level of accountability in how the supermarkets treat and deal with growers,” Mr Griffith said.

“If we look at the success of table grapes and citrus (exports to China), we’d like to think we can replicate that.”

In 2024, Australia exported $145.8m worth of fresh grapes to China, and $889.3m of sheep meat.

Apples grown in Tasmania have always had access to China, but 80 per cent of apples produced in Australia are grown on the mainland.

Mr Griffith would not be drawn on whether the timing of China’s long-awaited approval was spurred along by US President Donald Trump’s capricious treatment of its goods.