China-Australia trade relations gradually 'thawing'

Canberra will call on Beijing to end all remaining trade restrictions, after China lifted tariffs of up to 80% on Australian barley.

The lifting of the barley restrictions could mark an important first step in the normalisation of trade relations between China and Australia. (Source: ABC Rural)

China's Ministry of Commerce said on August 4 that its anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties on Australian barley would end on August 5. Earlier, the ministry cited a report saying that demand from the beer market was growing, while domestic barley supply could not meet demand.

However, some other Australian products are still restricted by China, such as wine, or items subject to unofficial restrictions, such as lobsters and meat from some slaughterhouses.

In that context, Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell said the country planned to use the process for barley as a template to address the issue related to wine, as well as a number of other items.

Australian Grape and Wine Association chief executive Lee McLean said the end of the barley tariff was a positive step. Australia's wine trade with China was worth 1.2 billion AUD a year.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to visit China later this year. The exact schedule has not yet been set. In the current context, this visit is expected to promote the early thawing of bilateral trade relations.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/quan-he-thuong-mai-trung-quoc-australia-dan-tan-bang-237277.html