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Australian rock lobster at market. (Photo: Stock File)
China has not imposed a ban on Aussie rock lobster: govt
(AUSTRALIA, 12/3/2010)
Minister Joe Ludwig of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has confirmed that China has not imposed a ban on imports of Australian rock lobster.
Chinese quarantine and customs officials, he informed, assured that the country had not implemented a ban on the imports.
The Australian federal government is conducting ongoing work with officers at the Australian Embassy in Beijing to investigate the reports of a ban.
"The government will continue to push for quick clearance of Australian product arriving in China," Ludwig said. "We are also working closely with the Australian rock lobster industry to determine the exact nature of the problems being experienced."
According to Federal Trade Minister Craig Emerson, Australia is dedicated to an open and transparent trading process with China and will continue to collaborate closely with the rock lobster sector and trading partners to make sure trade prospers in the long term.
Steve Moriarty, former president of the Northern Zone Rock Lobster Association and current seafood exporter, said that China had not banned rock lobster but instead was working to ensure that its duties were in order as part of routine inspections. Consequently, he continued, trade would go back to normal shortly.
Moriarty made these comments in response to allegations by trade specialist Peter Wentzki that the Chinese ban on rock lobster imports came as a result of the industry’s enduring illegal trading practices.
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But Moriarty clarified that it is the responsibility of buyers and not of Australia or the industry to pay tariffs with produce exported to a food port in Hong Kong.
"It (the ban) is part of routine inspections of entry areas to ensure tariffs are being paid and there is no illegal immigration," he told.
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Moriarty added that the Australian industry had a fine trade partnership with China and believed the ban was only a short-term move.
The country’s rock lobster trade is extremely lucrative. Exports to China and Hong Kong this year are worth some AUD 300 million (USD 288.6 million) or 77 per cent of global exports.
Related articles:
- Chinese ban comes in response to illegal trade: expert
- China abruptly stops importing Aussie rock lobster
By Natalia Real
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www.seafood.media
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