Australian citrus producers will benefit from a significant market access outcome for citrus exports to the Republic of Korea, secured through long-term collaboration between the Australian government and citrus industry alongside Korean government counterparts.
Korea’s Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency recently finalised revised import requirements for Australian lemons, removing the requirement for Korean quarantine officers to conduct pre-clearance inspections in Australia before export.
The change will reduce costs and administrative burden for exporters while maintaining Korea’s biosecurity protections through Australia’s existing export certification and compliance arrangements. It also provides greater flexibility for growers and export facilities and is expected to support further growth in Australian lemon exports.
The outcome is particularly significant for Queensland lemon growers. While Australia has long maintained market access for lemons and oranges to Korea, previous arrangements made exports from Queensland operationally challenging. Removing the pre-clearance requirement now enables Queensland lemon exporters to access the market, creating new commercial opportunities for the state’s lemon industry.
The achievement follows more than five years of sustained engagement between DAFF, Korean authorities and industry representatives to improve market access conditions for Australian citrus.
DAFF is now working closely with industry to implement the new requirements, including supporting participating growers and export facilities through any necessary registration processes.
Korea remains an important market for Australian citrus. In 2025-26, exports of Australian citrus, including oranges and lemons, were valued at $35.5 million. Australian lemon exports to Korea have also increased strongly, rising from $295,000 in 2021-22 to $1.78 million in 2025-26.
This outcome demonstrates DAFF’s ongoing commitment to improving market access opportunities for Australian agriculture, helping exporters reach new customers and expand trade in key international markets.
