Biosecurity protocol to allow new season mainland apples to be exported from Australia into China in 2026
The Australian apple industry has celebrated the signing of a new biosecurity protocol enabling Australian mainland apples to be exported to China.
The agreement, signed by Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and China’s General Administration of Customs in Canberra, marks a significant step forward for Australian growers looking to expand into viable international markets.
Tasmanian growers have already been exporting apples to China, this new agreement now opens doors for mainland Australian apple growers under a protocol that includes cold treatment for the management of fruit fly and ongoing recognition of the Tasmania fruit fly pest-free area.
The agreement will enable new season mainland apples to be exported from Australia into China in 2026.
Apple and Pear Australia Limited (Apal) chief executive Philip Turnbull welcomed the new agreement and emphasised the potential for Australian growers to diversify and build a more competitive industry.
“Market access for Australian mainland apples into China is a significant milestone that will provide Australian growers with a valuable opportunity to expand beyond the domestic market and establish a presence in one of the world’s most lucrative fresh produce markets,” said Turnbull.
“The Australian apple industry has traditionally been domestically focused. However, shifting supply and demand dynamics, coupled with increasing competition in the snack food category, mean that developing strong export pathways is more critical than ever. Access to China offers Australian growers an exciting opportunity to showcase the quality, crispness, and flavour of our apples to an entirely new audience.
“The signing of this protocol is an important step forward, enhancing the industry’s competitiveness both internationally and domestically.”
This new export pathway to the high-value Chinese market is seen as a great opportunity to expand Australian apple exports, which currently sit at less than 1 per cent of the country’s domestic fresh apple production.
According to Apal, Chinese consumers’ preference for branded, high-quality fruit with exceptional freshness and flavour, aligns perfectly with Australia’s reputation for superior apple production.
