Another Australian beef exporter suspended by China

China has suspended imports of more Australian beef, this time from Meramist Pty Ltd, the sixth supplier to face such a move in a country that is one of China's main meat suppliers, ABC News Australia reports.

China made the decision on Monday but did not provide a reason.

It has already banned imports from five other Australian beef suppliers this year, citing reasons that have included issues with labelling and health certificates.

Australia's ties with China — its top trade partner — were already strained.

The relationship has significantly deteriorated since Canberra called for an inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus.

China stopped receiving applications and registration for beef exports from the Meramist plant from December 7, China's General Administration of Customs said in a notice on its website, without giving a reason.

Mike Eathorne, the general manager of Meramist, told the ABC on Monday night he had only just received the news.

"I was advised five minutes ago and I have been given absolutely no reasons," he said, adding he could not comment further.

Meramist was one of several abattoirs named last year in an ABC 7.30 investigation involving the slaughter of racehorses. A former worker pleaded guilty to animal cruelty offenses in July this year.

In May, China banned imports from four of Australia's largest meat processors, citing issues with labelling and health certificates.

In August, it suspended imports from a fifth plant, Queensland abattoir John Dee.

As well as targeting beef, China has imposed prohibitive tariffs on Australian barley and wine, blocked imports of Australian lobsters and delayed the unloading of Australian coal.-Photo: AAP