Kiwi crays dodge Australia's row

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A row over Australian crayfish exports to China is having a slight effect on New Zealand exports, but is not causing chaos, says an industry body.

Because New Zealand has a free trade agreement with China, it can export rock lobsters to the mainland markets, paying a 40 per cent tariff.

The Australians don't have a trade deal, so they have to pay a 100 per cent tariff and have been sending their crayfish to Hong Kong. China has now stopped such transit.

Rock Lobster Industry Council executive officer Daryl Symes said in Wellington there were few direct implications for New Zealand.

The row had caused disruption to exports, "but not chaos", and most exporters were confident they would meet China orders before the NZ season finished in March.

- NZPA