China lifts ban on Australian fruit imports

The Chinese government has lifted a trade ban on Australian products, including fruit. The restrictions, which had been ongoing for two years, stemmed from political tensions between the two countries after Australia called for an independent inquiry into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. Australian citrus, stone fruit, mango, and cherry producers will all breathe a sigh of relief as they can now ship their products to the lucrative Chinese market. 

The ban which included coal, wine, timber, barley, beef, seafood, cotton and copper was estimated to cost Australian exporters about $20 billion a year.

“We hope all exports resume as soon as possible,” said the Chinese Ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian.