Australia and China are planning to restore diplomatic ties and trade, with China planning to lift its ban on Australian lobster imports by the end of the year. This move is part of an effort to remove trade barriers between the two countries. The ban was initially implemented in 2020 in response to the Australian government's call for an independent investigation into the origin of the coronavirus pandemic. Since then, most of the trade restrictions have been lifted. The lifting of the lobster import ban is expected to support job growth in Australia and allows for resumption of lobster shipments in time for China's Lunar New Year in early 2025.