Australia's first citrus exports to China have gone on sale in a market. Producers hope will be worth more than $50 million.

China has opened its markets to Australian citrus after five years of negotiations, approving the entry of 100 tonnes of Queensland mandarins.

Another 300 tonnes of produce were expected to arrive.

China's market is potentially worth over $50 million of exports for Australia's citrus growers.

Next year, industry expects to increase exports of oranges and other citrus fruits from the Riverina and Mallee regions of Australia.

The first exports cleared Chinese customs after Canberra and Beijing signed a quarantine protocol in April.

The peak industry body, Australian Citrus Growers, welcomed the formal opening of the market, with the produce on sale at supermarkets in Beijing and Shanghai.

The group is involved in Australia's ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement with China, where it hopes to eliminate the current 12 per cent tariff for Australian citrus.

The next priority was market access to China for Australian table grapes, summer fruit and cherries.

Source:佚名