Liu Wen on chilled beef exports to China

During his recent four day visit to Australia, China Premier Li Keqiang and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull shared some welcome news for Australian chilled beef exports to China.

"Australian chilled beef exports to China are already worth $400 million a year, and more companies will also be eligible to export frozen beef. Total beef exports, overall, are worth around a billion dollars a year," Mr Turnbull said.

Premier Li indicated the new understanding will allow all meat processors approved for export to join the previously approved 11 meat processors to export chilled beef to China.

The agreement also allows for fast tracking of approvals for new entrants into the market.

The news comes at the same time as China lifts its recent country wide ban on Brazilian imported meat.

In a country which places great emphasis on food integrity, even the slightest suggestion of an issue with imported products can cripple market confidence for a brand in China.

The 21 Brazilian companies remain banned whilst under investigation, however the broader question over safety of Brazilian products sold to the average Chinese consumer will likely remain.

Dogged by allegations of corruption and unsanitary practices allowing the export of rotten meat with trace salmonella, Chinese consumers will seek greener pastures.

Australian chilled beef exporters and Chinese consumers are the big winners in a big week for Australian beef.