Delays in Chinese ports hamper Australian exports

China has taken strict measures to inspect imported fruit in order to stem the spread of COVID-19. But these additional inspections cause significant delays in some ports. Australian products appear to be suffering long delays.

 

Australia is a supplier of fruit to China but relations between the two countries have recently deteriorated for political reasons. China has recently taken strict measures to inspect imported fruit from countries affected by the pandemic in order to stem the spread of COVID-19.

 

 

In some Chinese ports, the delay is between 5 and 10 days longer than normal for the clearance of products from Australia. According to Australian professionals 400 to 500 containers of grapes were waiting in Chinese ports.

 

 

This delay discourages Chinese importers who order far fewer Australian products. In Australia, the citrus harvest has started and industry professionals fear a significant drop in Chinese demand, which will lead to a glut of citrus on the Australian domestic market.

 

 

According to a Chinese media outlet, importers are starting to reduce their orders for Australian products and are looking to increase volumes from other sources.