China lifts restrictions on Australian abattoirs as trade tensions ease

China has lifted suspensions from three Australian abattoirs in a further easing of punitive trade sanctions.

China’s customs agency has removed bans on Teys Australia in Naracoorte, South Australia, Australian Lamb Company in Colac, Victoria, and JBS in Melbourne.

But eight Australian red meat processing facilities remain suspended.

The bans were introduced between 2020 and early 2022, with Beijing citing COVID-19 cases in the workforce and labelling issues.

China slapped sanctions worth $20 billion on Australian products during the height of diplomatic tensions, after the Morrison government called for an independent inquiry into the COVID-19 pandemic.

Australian Meat Industry Council chief executive Patrick Hutchison welcomed the latest development.

“We will continue to advocate strongly for all remaining suspended plants to also regain access to China as a matter of priority,” he said.

“We hope this represents a restabilisation of the trade in meat to China which will also allow for a process and pathway for new access to the market.”