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Tonnes of Australian lobsters stuck in Chinese
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The threat of Australian lobsters dying at Chinese airports has spooked local producers and escalated trade tensions between Beijing and Canberra.Tonnes of live lobsters were stranded at Chinese airports and clearance houses while waiting to be inspected by Customs officials at the weekend.To get more China news, you can visit shine news official website.
Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said the Government was seeking more information from the industry, but he warned if China was discriminating against Australian products it would be a breach of international trade rules.
"All importers should be subjected to equivalent standards and there should be no discriminatory screening practices," he said.
"So far as any industry concerns imply a breach of WTO [World Trade Organization] or CHAFTA [China–Australia Free Trade Agreement] commitments, Chinese authorities should rule out the use of any such discriminatory actions."Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said China was inspecting between 50 and 100 per cent of Australian rock lobsters, citing concerns about trace elements of metals.
He said the Government had reserved the right the take the issue to the WTO if it escalated.
"We're a fair country, we play by WTO rules and we expect those we trade with to do that," he said.Southern Rocklobster Limited executive officer Tom Cosentino said Australian lobster shipments had experienced Customs clearance delays due to an increased level of import inspections in China.
"Whilst some cargo has been cleared there are other continued risks of delays while new processes are being implemented," he said.
"To mitigate this risk a decision has been made by the majority of new exporters to stop sending shipments to China until more is known about the new process."
Mr Cosentino said details were scant but the information available suggested the tests related to new health and reliance checks.