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China Lifts Ban on Australian Rock Lobster Imports-Sydney prices rise!

Photo Credit -Axel Ritenis-The Fish Market Maroubra 
Written by Aksel Ritenis

China Lifts Ban on Australian Rock Lobster Imports-Sydney prices rise!

Canberra, Australia

20 december,2024

A four-year ban on Australian rock lobster imports to China has been lifted, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Friday. This decision follows an agreement reached between Albanese and Chinese Premier Li Qiang in October to resume trade by the end of the year.

The ban, imposed in 2020, had a significant impact on the Australian lobster industry, as China was the primary market for Australian lobsters. It was part of a broader trade war between Australia and China that began in 2020.

The lifting of the ban is expected to be a significant boost to the Australian economy, particularly for Western Australia, which is the largest supplier of lobsters to China.

However it also expected that there will be a domestic price rise on what is a premium product for many Austrealian over Christmas and New Year !

 Photo Credit -Axel Ritenis-The Fish Market Maroubra 

Western Australian (WA) crayfish are highly sought after on the Australian market, especially during Christmas

  • Peak Season: The peak season for WA rock lobster coincides with the Christmas period, making them a popular choice for festive feasts.
  • High Quality: WA crayfish are renowned for their exceptional quality and taste, considered by many to be among the best in the world.
  • Availability: While available year-round, supply can fluctuate. However, efforts are made to ensure adequate supply for the Christmas market.
  • Retail Presence: Major supermarkets like Woolworths often feature WA rock lobsters prominently during the Christmas season, making them readily accessible to consumers.2

Where to find WA Crayfish in Sydney for Christmas:

  • Supermarkets: Check major supermarkets like Woolworths for availability and special offers.
  • Fish Markets: Local fish markets e.g Sydney Fish Markets OR  Maroubra SeaFood market at Pacific Square  are another excellent source for fresh, high-quality WA crayfish.
  • Online Retailers: Some online retailers specialize in seafood delivery, offering convenient options for purchasing WA crayfish.

Tips for enjoying WA Crayfish:

  • Cooking: There are various methods for cooking crayfish, including boiling, steaming, and grilling.
  • Eat with Dill Mayonnaiseif you can and wash it down with a nice Cool climate Chardonnay or a rich opulent NZ Sauvignon Blanc ,..a good Hunter Valley Chardonnay is also delightful if you want to drink local!
  • Storage: If not cooking immediately, store live crayfish in a well-aerated container in the refrigerator.
  • Sustainability: Choose sustainably sourced WA crayfish to support responsible fishing practices.

This article was compiled with the assistance of Gemini AI and edited/enriched with Tips  by Axel Ritenis

About the author

Aksel Ritenis

Publisher and Custodian of the Sydney Times

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