(Yicai) Dec. 6 -- China’s lifting of the last trade bans on two Australian red meat packers is "fantastic news” and marks the full resumption of Australian beef and veal exports to the Asian country, according to the chairman of the China-Australia Chamber of Commerce.

“This outcome is a welcome boost for Australian exporters, producers, and farmers, and it highlights the vital role that constructive and consistent engagement plays in fostering strong trade relations,” Vaughn Barber told Yicai today.

Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson He Yadong said yesterday that China had verified the successful implementation of corrective measures by Australia and, as of Dec. 3, approved the resumption of exports from the last two red meat producers still affected by the trade ban. Australia’s prime minister announced the ban’s removal earlier this week.

China imposed trade restrictions on 10 Australian slaughterhouses between 2020 and 2022. The Asian nation is Australia's second-largest beef and veal export market after the United States.

Since last year, China and Australia have made positive progress on a series of economic and trade issues, with the full resumption of Australian beef imports to China as the latest update, He noted.

"I'm proud of the Chamber's efforts in advocating for this outcome, and we remain committed to supporting Australian businesses in showcasing their world-class products in the Chinese market," Barber pointed out.  

The value of China's foreign trade with Australia rose 9.8 percent to CNY1.61 trillion (USD221.7 billion) last year from the previous one, with imports soaring over 15 percent to CNY1.09 trillion, according to the General Administration of Customs. China's main imports from Australia are minerals and plant and animal products.

Editor: Futura Costaglione