Australia meat producers tap Chinese market

Australian meat producers are poised to further tap the lucrative Chinese market, following fresh approvals that will allow more exporters to supply sheep, lamb and goat products to China.

The Australian Meat Industry Council has welcomed the latest move by the Chinese authorities that grants 17 Australian export establishments access to the Chinese market for supplying chilled and frozen sheep and goat meat.

"The outcome is a significant win for Australian sheep, lamb and goat processing and export businesses that will have benefits across the red meat supply chain," the council said.

The approvals, announced last month by China's General Administration of Customs, consist of new market access for 10 establishments and expanded product categories for seven others.

Tim Ryan, CEO of the council, said the move is the result of years of sustained efforts by government and industry, reflecting the strength of China-Australia relations.

"Industry and government have welcomed opportunities to demonstrate to China's regulators that Australia has robust systems and quality assurance measures in place to reliably produce and export safe, quality meat and meat products to Chinese consumers," he said.

China is Australia's most important destination for sheep meat exports, according to Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

In January alone, Australian mutton exports to China surged 16 percent year-on-year to more than 7,300 metric tons, according to the industry service provider Meat and Livestock Australia.

These exports have helped keep Australia's red meat trade with China well above long-term averages, with the sector valued at $2 billion in 2023-24, according to a statement from Julie Collins, Australia's minister for agriculture, fisheries and forestry.

Gundagai Meat Processors, a privately owned company that processes more than 1 million sheep and lambs annually, said China's move to grant wider market access marks a major milestone for Australia's meat sector.

"We have had our application for a number of years and have been patiently awaiting the green light," CEO Will Barton told China Daily.

"China was the last significant market we were yet to gain access to. So, this final piece of the puzzle now enables us to participate in all key global markets.

"It strengthens our ability to manage short-term disruptions, like seasonal variability, disease risk or global tariff tensions, by having more channels open to sell into."

The company expects to begin shipments "within weeks, pending completion of the required paperwork", Barton said.

For Chinese consumers, the expanded access means a wider range of Australian lamb and sheep meat products will soon be available — ranging from premium marbled cuts suited for food service and retail, to traditional items popular in hotpot and other culinary uses, he added.

Angus Gidley-Baird, a senior analyst at agribusiness banking group Rabobank, said the new approvals were certainly a positive, with China being a major market.

"We have got large production volumes for both lamb and mutton at the moment, so having greater access to that market would be very beneficial," he said.

"Australia is fortunate. We have got good quality, food safety, traceability, and strong biosecurity measures; it is certainly a great opportunity for Australia to be able to supply (more) and gain better access."

Beijing resident Chen Zhixing, a computer engineer and regular consumer of lamb and mutton dishes, welcomed the increased variety from Australia.

"We have good domestic meat, but increasing the choices from overseas will raise the bar and benefit everyone," he said.

Contact the writers at xinxin@chinadaily.com.cn