Treasurer gives strong hint lobster ban may be lifted [Video]

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has given a firm signal that China’s ban on Australian rock lobster could soon be lifted,

He was speaking in Beijing after he became the first Australian treasurer to visit China for seven years.

Since the Albanese government was elected in 2022 and started to repair Canberra-Beijing relations, China has scrapped punitive tariffs and restrictions on Australian goods, such as wine, beef and barley, but lobster fishers remain locked out of what was once a prized export market.

Officials on both sides have been working behind the scenes to end the deadlock.

Chalmers said on Thursday (Friday AEST) he hopes Australian lobster will soon be “gracing the tables of Chinese homes and restaurants as soon as possible”.

“I did raise it last night and yesterday afternoon. We’re seeking a …