China to boost hides access with Australian live cattle deal
Australia could earn $1.5 billion for the next 10 years for exporting live cattle to China as part of a deal brokered between the countries.
Australia's Agricultural Minister Barnaby Joyce said it is the culmination of months of talks, which had stalled over Chinese concerns over the potential risk from the insect-borne Bluetongue virus to its sheep flock.
It could have implications for Australia’s hides and skins exporters, as the skins will be processed in China.
"This is a major breakthrough for the Australian livestock export industry and significantly improves the market diversification options," said Alison Penfold, chief executive of industry body Australian Livestock Exporters' Council.
It comes after news that Indonesia cut its cattle export quotas for the third quarter by 80%.
