The treasurer suggests that the ban on Chinese imports of lobster may be lifted.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers recently visited Beijing, becoming the first Australian treasurer to do so in seven years. During his trip, he expressed optimism that China's ban on Australian rock lobster could soon be lifted. This ban has been in place since 2020 and has had a significant impact on the Australian lobster industry, which used to export about $550 million worth of lobster to China each year.

Since the election of the Albanese government in 2022, there has been a concerted effort to repair the strained relationship between Canberra and Beijing. As a result, China has already lifted punitive tariffs and restrictions on other Australian goods, such as wine, beef, and barley. However, the ban on rock lobster has remained in place, causing frustration for both Australian and Chinese officials.

Chalmers acknowledged that there have been ongoing discussions between officials from both countries to find a solution and end the deadlock. He expressed his hope that Australian lobster would soon be back on the tables of Chinese homes and restaurants. In his meetings with Chinese counterparts, he raised the issue and emphasized the progress that has been made in stabilizing the relationship between the two countries.

While there are still some technical issues to be resolved, Chalmers and the Australian government are eager to see a speedy resolution to the lobster ban. They see this as a tangible and important step in furthering the positive progress that has been made in improving bilateral relations.

The ban on rock lobster has been a point of contention between Australia and China, but the recent efforts to repair the relationship have shown promising results. Chalmers' visit marks the first Australia-China Strategic Economic Dialogue since 2017, and it is seen as a positive step towards strengthening economic ties between the two countries.

The Australian lobster industry has been hit hard by the ban, but there is hope that it will soon be lifted. As the discussions between officials from both countries continue, there is optimism that a resolution will be reached in the near future. For now, Chalmers and the Australian government remain committed to finding a solution and furthering the progress made in improving the relationship with China.

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