Apple growers from across Australia will now have access to the Chinese market after the finalisation of a new trade market access deal between the two countries.
During his visit to the People's Republic of China for the Annual Leaders' Meeting, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Li Qiang witnessed the ceremonial signing of the deal.
China is Australia's largest export market for agriculture, fisheries and forestry products, worth $16 billion in 2024, and the Australian apple industry is one of the nation's largest domestic horticultural industries.
In 2023-24, domestic apple production was valued at more than $680 million, with an annual crop of close to 300,000 tonnes of fruit.
The sector can now build on existing trade from Tasmanian growers, who have had access to China since 2010.
It is expected that apple growers from mainland Australia will begin exporting their produce to China as new fruit comes online in the 2026 season.
The new market access outcome is expected to benefit apple growers by providing access to this high value export market while also maintaining a sustainable supply of high-quality apples to Australian consumers.
Australia has a strong history of producing premium and branded apple varieties, which the industry expects will perform strongly in the Chinese market.
The Albanese Labor Government has worked to restore trade with China, resuming $20 billion of lobster, wine, barley, coal, cotton, timber logs, oaten hay, copper ores and concentrates and red meat exports.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:
"This is a fantastic outcome for the Australian apple industry and for Chinese consumers, who will be able to enjoy more of our delicious produce.
"The finalisation of market access is a significant milestone for the apple industry and for the Australia-China trading relationship.
"The Chinese market offers strong export growth potential for Australian producers with a large consumer base and premium price points for high-quality branded products.
"This outcome will support our agricultural industry to grow toward a $100 billion sector, and the Australian horticultural sector to meet its target of $20 billion by 2030."
