China moves closer to fully resuming Australian canola imports after six years of restrictions

China has taken another step toward fully resuming Australian canola imports after six years of trade restrictions. In late October 2026, Chinese inspectors conducted an audit of Australia’s canola production and supply chains, subsequently preparing a report on their findings. Australian Agriculture Minister Julie Collins announced this on November 5, noting that the inspection signals further progress toward normalizing trade between the two countries.

Australia, the world’s second-largest canola exporter, effectively lost access to the Chinese market in 2020. Beijing imposed restrictions after detecting the blackleg disease pathogen in some shipments of Australian canola. In 2025, China allowed canola imports to resume on a trial basis, but Australian exporters are still seeking full market access.

According to Collins, Australia is confident in the quality of its canola and its compliance with China’s strict phytosanitary requirements. Producers and exporters have undertaken extensive work to ensure that the necessary safety standards are met. The Australian government intends to continue negotiations with Beijing to achieve a full resumption of shipments as quickly as possible.

During her working visit to China, Collins held talks with representatives of government agencies, including the General Administration of Customs and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. She also plans to attend the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, where she will promote Australian agricultural products and export opportunities in the Chinese market.

Prospects for restoring canola trade are improving amid the broader normalization of trade relations between Australia and China. Since Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government took office in 2022, Beijing has gradually lifted restrictions on imports of Australian barley, wine and beef. Full reopening of the Chinese market to Australian canola could create additional opportunities for exporters and intensify competition among major oilseed suppliers to China. However, no final decision on removing the remaining canola import restrictions has been announced.

Tags: rapeseed, Australia, China