One step closer to exporting Aussie avocados to China

Exporting Queensland avocados to China has moved closer with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Beijing between Avocados Australia and an agency that assists with market access.

As the largest avocado-producing state in Australia, the Queensland Government has supported the sector gaining market access to China. According to Avocados Australia, on average across 2020–21 and 2021–22, 48% of Australia’s avocado production was based in Queensland, accounting for 65% of national production in the 2023 financial year.

Avocados Australia, based in Queensland, represents Australian avocado farmers, exporters, marketers and wholesalers. The organisation sees great potential for avocado exports to China in future.

The MOU is with China Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Association (CIQA), a not-for-profit organisation focused on the import and export inspection and quarantine sector. CIQA assists with overcoming technical barriers to trade agreements and other technical market access issues.

“Building a strong and enduring technical partnership with CIQA is already helping to assist Australian researchers, particularly the research partners within the new $130 million Fresh and Secure Trade Alliance (FASTA) project, develop relevant data packages to ensure we achieve success when the market access negotiation begins,” said Avocado Australia CEO John Tyas.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said, “This MOU will enable greater collaboration between CIQA and Avocados Australia, while bolstering industry development through R&D, ultimately growing Queensland’s avocado industry and increasing employment.

“I look forward to welcoming the CIQA team to Queensland and opening additional pathways for a future thriving avocado trade with China.”

For the 12 months to September 2023, China has been Queensland’s largest goods export market, valued at $23.7 billion. Hong Kong is the largest export market for Australian avocados, accounting for 46% of the total export volume.

Under the MOU, CIQA will assist in sharing market intelligence, helping to develop frameworks for necessary R&D that feed into overcoming market access barriers and facilitating information sharing between China’s regulatory market access bodies and Avocados Australia.

Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Minister Mark Furner said, “Our avocados are among the best in the world and the opportunities that could open up as a result of the MOU are very exciting.”

Image credit: iStock.com/JackF