AUSTRALIA’S beef exporters are expecting big news on the China access front this morning amid a four-day visist by premier Li Keqiang.
Increasing the number of Australian facilities eligible to send high-value chilled beef to China, changes to live cattle exports and eliminating some of the many technical barriers affecting products like offal and tripe are some of the areas expected to be addressed.
Industry leaders this morning said the foundations had been set and all signs were pointing to a very positive outcome.
Some exporters are already welcoming what they predict will be the signing of a new bilateral beef agreement resulting in trade improvements for Australian exporters.
Others contacted by Fairfax Media this morning said the devil would be in the detail, with ‘deals one thing, the barriers that go up after they are signed’ another.
Expanding the Australian plants eligible to export chilled meat to China, as well as considering changes to live exports, would be key breakthroughs for the local beef sector, said John O'Loghlen, Director of Business Development for Australia and New Zealand, Alibaba Group.
“With world leading agriculture practices and a national reputation for producing clean, safe and healthy products, Australian beef has massive appeal in China,” he said.
“Australian beef has to be marketed as a premium product, with strong ties to quality, taste and safety.”
Shan Goodwin
Shan Goodwin steers ACM’s national coverage of the beef industry. Shan has worked as a journalist for 30 years, the majority of that with agricultural publications. She spent many years as The Land’s North Coast reporter and has visited beef properties and stations throughout the country and overseas. She treats all breeds equally. Contact 0427686187. E: s.goodwin@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Shan Goodwin steers ACM’s national coverage of the beef industry. Shan has worked as a journalist for 30 years, the majority of that with agricultural publications. She spent many years as The Land’s North Coast reporter and has visited beef properties and stations throughout the country and overseas. She treats all breeds equally. Contact 0427686187. E: s.goodwin@austcommunitymedia.com.au
