Meat ban has exporters in a stew

HUNDREDS of millions of dollars in Australian beef exports are at stake after China raised concerns about the labelling of some recent shipments.

It is understood six processors have been caught up in the temporary ban. Trade Minister Steven Ciobo said he had received a letter from China’s quarantine agency raising con- cerns. It is understood the concerns relate to labels on some boxes of exported beef that do not match the labels on the packets inside.

Some of the beef has landed in China but more is on its way.

“This is a very significant and substantial export trade with China with potentially tens of millions and possibly hundreds of millions of dollars in trade affected,” Mr Ciobo said yesterday.

“We are taking the matter very seriously.”

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Defence Minister Marise Payne both dismissed suggestions the ban was sparked by Australian criticism of China’s military ambitions. Senator Payne said the dispute was solely about food labelling.