Source: ABC News
Citrus Australia, the peak grower group, is hopeful Indonesia will lift import restrictions on fruit by July, just as the mandarin season in Queensland kicks off.
Overall citrus exports to Indonesia were worth $14 million last year, before Indonesia imposed quotas in November, in a bid to support its own growers.
Indonesia announced last week it will ease those restrictions, in response to a complaint by the United States.
Judith Damiani, chief executive of Citrus Australia Limited, says a delegation of citrus and grape exporters met trade officials in Jakarta last week, and negotiations are still at a sensitive stage.
“The export situation seems to be changing every day,” she said.
“(Indonesia is) in our top five export markets, it’s particularly important for Australian mandarins.
“Last year, mandarin exports was valued at close to $9 million.
“For oranges, Australian navel exports, it’s close to $5 million.
“Of course Indonesia is a growing market.”
The Indonesian trade ministry’s changes to horticulture imports are expected to be effective from July this year.
Indonesia has also been the most significant apple market for Australia, worth $1.45 million in 2010, but the import restrictions have reduced that dramatically.
Now Apple and Pear Australia Ltd is hosting a delegation from emerging Asian markets, excluding Indonesia.
Claire Fitchett, marketing manager with the peak apple group, says it’s the first time its hosted retailers from China, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.
“We just think it’s time to start working aggressively in our Asian markets.
“It’s a perfect time of year, with pink ladies being harvested.”