Fresh Australian rock lobsters are a big export to China but tonnes are now being held up.

Fresh Australian rock lobsters are a big export to China but tonnes are now being held up.Credit:Edwina Pickles

Beef,barley and wine have been caught in rising tensions between Australia and China in recent months after multiple disputes over the coronavirus,Hong Kong and foreign interference.

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. “So far as any industry concerns imply a breach of WTO or CHAFTA commitments Chinese authorities should rule out the use of any such discriminatory actions.”

A rejection of the lobsters or a further delay of more than 48 hours,beyond which the expensive crustaceans are unlikely to survive,would send a message that it is another trade strike after a year of rising tensions.

In 2018-19 more than 94 per cent of Australia's $752 million rock lobster exports went to China,making it an essential market for the industry,which is centred in Western Australia and South Australia but also has a presence in NSW and Victoria.

The lobster delays come on the eve of a major international export expo in Shanghai. Major Australian seafood exporters Geraldton Fishermen's Cooperative,Austral Fisheries and Two Oceans Abalone are expected to attend the event from November 5 as they look to bolster their share in the Chinese market for high-end products like Australian lobster and abalone.

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Future growth in the lobster industry is likely to depend on China,where rising income levels have pushed up demand and prices according to the Australian government research organisation ABARES.

Southern Rocklobster Limited executive officer Tom Cosentino said Australian lobster shipments had experienced customs clearance delays due to an increased level of import inspections in China.

"Whilst some cargo has been cleared there are other continued risks of delays while new processes are being implemented,"he said."To mitigate this risk a decision has been made by the majority of new exporters to stop sending shipments to China until more is known about the new process."

Mr Cosentino said details were scant but the information available suggested the tests related to new health and reliance checks.

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

An employee at wholesaler Shanghai Kangzhitai Seafood,who asked not to be identified,said he had heard about Australian lobsters for multiple local companies being held up by Chinese customs in Shanghai. He did not comment on the reason for the hold up.

Mr Cosentino confirmed the Seafood Trade Advisory Group,a joint industry-government body,had formed a working group that will meet daily in a bid to resolve the issue.

In March the government funded and organised 200 flights to send Australian lobsters to key markets including China to stave off a crippling downturn for the industry caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Chinese Embassy in Canberra did not respond to requests for comment in time for publication.

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