In a major breakthrough for Australian agriculture, China has agreed to import 65,000 tonnes of Australian canola for the first time in five years, marking what experts say could be the start of a renewed trade partnership between the two nations.
The shipment, described as a “trial consignment,” will depart from the port of Esperance in Western Australia this weekend aboard the bulk carrier Armonia A bound for Qingdao in China’s Shandong province. The export is being coordinated by CBH Grain, the trading arm of the Western Australian growers’ cooperative CBH Group.
China suspended canola imports from Australia in 2020, citing concerns over the fungal disease blackleg. Since then, the world’s largest buyer of canola has relied heavily on Canadian imports. However, recent tensions between China and Canada—after Beijing imposed heavy tariffs on Canadian canola—have opened the door for Australia’s re-entry into the market.
Australia’s canola industry, worth more than $4 billion annually, has long viewed China as a crucial customer. Analysts believe this first shipment could pave the way for the formal reopening of trade, potentially allowing up to five more trial shipments in the coming months.
“This is a very positive step,” said Pat O’Shannassy, chief executive of Grain Trade Australia. “The process of rebuilding biosecurity confidence takes time, but once trade resumes fully, it will be a big win for Australian farmers.”
The Australian Department of Agriculture confirmed that China’s state-owned COFCO is the approved importer and that discussions between the two governments are continuing to finalise the long-term framework.
Commonwealth Bank agricultural economist Dennis Voznesenski said China’s re-entry into the Australian canola market would support global prices and offer critical relief to local producers amid reduced demand from Europe.
“With Europe producing a larger crop this year, we need alternative buyers — and China’s return is very welcome,” he said.
If successful, this shipment could signal a full restoration of one of Australia’s most valuable agricultural export relationships.
