We are conducting a risk analysis for fresh kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis and A. deliciosa) fruit for human consumption from China.
Risk analysis:
When we do a risk analysis, we:
- review the science on pests and diseases of concern
- assess and analyse biosecurity risks
- develop proposed risk management measures, if required
- consult the public on the draft report and then review comments
- publish the final report
- verify that the country can meet the recommended risk management measures
- develop import conditions
- publish import conditions in our Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON).
About the risk analysis
We initiated this risk analysis because China requested market access for fresh kiwifruit. Learn more about why we carry out risk analyses and our international obligations.
This risk analysis is being conducted as a review of biosecurity import requirements. This is because we have completed a preliminary assessment of the pests of potential biosecurity concern associated with kiwifruit from China and found that:
- the pests of concern are the same, or of the same pest groups, as those pests that have been assessed previously for kiwifruit or other horticultural goods. These pests include fruit flies, moths, bacteria, fungi, viruses and other external feeding arthropods.
- appropriate risk management measures exist for these pests or pest groups.
Announcement
We announced the commencement of this risk analysis on 10 December 2024.
Trade
Australia-China trade
China is an important trading partner for Australia. China is Australia's largest 2-way trading partner in agriculture, fisheries and forestry goods, valued at $24.0 billion in 2023-24. China is also Australia’s single largest agriculture, fisheries and forestry export market, valued at $17.2 billion in 2023-24.
Kiwifruit industry in China
China is the largest producer of kiwifruit in the world. In 2022, China produced approximately 2.38 million tonnes of kiwifruit.
Production mainly supplies the domestic market. China exports a small volume of kiwifruit (10,700 tonnes in 2022) mostly to neighbouring countries and regions.
In China, kiwifruit is harvested from late August to early November depending on the variety and growing region. Exports can be extended for several months as the fruit can be cold-stored.
Kiwifruit industry in Australia
Kiwifruit are mainly grown in Victoria, with smaller volumes grown in New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia. In 2022-23, Australia produced 3,983 tonnes of kiwifruit.
Australian-grown kiwifruit are available from March to August.
Australia exports a relatively small amount of kiwifruit (197 tonnes in 2022-23), mostly to Thailand and Indonesia.
Kiwifruit imports
Australia is a net importer of fresh kiwifruit, typically importing between 20,000 and 24,000 tonnes per year.
Australia currently permits the import of fresh kiwifruit from New Zealand, France, Italy, Japan and the United States of America, provided the biosecurity import conditions are met.
Next steps
We will:
- review the science on pests and diseases of concern
- assess and analyse the biosecurity risks
- develop a draft report, which will propose risk management measures (if required) to manage the identified biosecurity risks
- release the draft report for a 60-calendar day public consultation period. We plan to release the draft report in late-2025. Please note that this is an indicative timeline and may be subject to change.
Keep informed
Register as a stakeholder
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Contact us
For more information, email imports@aff.gov.au or phone 1800 900 090 (when prompted select option 1, then option 1).