SA lobster makes snappy return to China

South Australia’s Southern Rock Lobster has been snapped up by Chinese consumers following the lifting of live lobster trade restrictions at the end of 2024.

In the first full month since the restrictions were removed, South Australian seafood producers have exported almost 400 tonnes of Southern Rock Lobster to China, worth $33.5 million.

The uptick can be attributed to the South Australian Government’s Seafood Export Growth Program, a $475,000 program launched in July 2024 to assist South Australian rock lobster and seafood industries to diversify during the trade restriction period and to re-engage with the China market following the removal of restrictions.

“The South Australian Rock Lobster industry expresses its gratitude to both the federal and state governments for their tireless work in re-establishing Rock Lobster trade with the biggest market,” said Kyri Toumazos, Executive Officer, SA Northern Zone Rock Lobster Fisherman’s Association.

“Their support and commitment to the Australian Rock Lobster sector, and in particular, in South Australia, is valued enormously.

“The continued collaboration between industry and government will further enhance the status of our pristine quality produce on the world stage.”

In February, the program supported the first Chinese and Hong Kong seafood importers to visit South Australia to experience first-hand, the state’s world-class produce and fisheries.

The visiting importers were able to spend time in key seafood regions including the Limestone Coast, Port Lincoln and Coffin Bay as well as having opportunities to connect directly with South Australian fishery businesses.

Outside of lobster, China’s demand for other seafood also increased in the year to January 2025, with tuna exports up 752 per cent to $9.3 million.

South Australian wine exports to China, which have also grown following the lifting of trade restrictions, climbed to $779.3 million, with $18 million worth of wine exported in January 2025 alone.

Overall, the state’s exports to China rose 18.5 per cent to $4.21 billion, making it our largest trading partner.

Learn more about the Seafood Export Growth Program