Apple growers across mainland Australia will soon be able to export their fruit to China following the finalisation of a new market access agreement between the two countries.
The agreement was ceremonially signed during Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to the People's Republic of China for the Annual Leaders' Meeting, alongside Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
China is Australia's largest export market for agriculture, fisheries, and forestry products, with trade valued at $16 billion in 2024. The Australian apple industry, one of the country's largest domestic horticultural sectors, produced close to 300,000 tonnes of apples in 2023–24, with a farmgate value of over $680 million.
Until now, only Tasmanian apple growers had access to the Chinese market, under a trade arrangement in place since 2010. The new deal will expand market access to growers across all Australian states, with exports expected to begin as early as the 2026 season.
This agreement is expected to deliver significant benefits to Australian growers by opening up a high-value export market, while maintaining a sustainable supply of fresh, high-quality apples for local consumers. The industry anticipates strong demand in China, particularly for Australia's premium and branded apple varieties.
The Albanese Government has been actively working to restore and expand trade relations with China. This latest agreement adds to recent progress, which has seen the resumption of $20 billion in exports, including products such as lobster, wine, barley, coal, cotton, timber logs, oaten hay, copper ores, and red meat.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP, said:
"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 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's ambition to grow toward a $100 billion sector, and help the horticultural sector meet its $20 billion target by 2030."
For more information:
The Hon Julie Collins MP
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Tel: +1 (0) 3 6244 1222
Email: [email protected]
www.minister.agriculture.gov.au
