Grain Producers Australia welcomes news about the re-commencement of Australian barley exports to China. HERE
GPA Chair, Barry Large, said removal of these tariffs represents a great win for Chinese consumers and industry and is a positive development for Australian grain producers and exporters.
“We thank and acknowledge the work of both governments in contributing to this positive outcome through an expedited process to reach a resolution which has been significantly shorter than if the WTO process continued,” he said.
“This resolution will allow Australian producers to re-commence selling and exporting our high-quality barley to China again.
“Barley is an important rotation crop for Australian growers and having another strong market and commercial option to sell our barley into will further support our sustainability and production programs.
“While other exports markets have purchased Australian barley over the past two years, and trade for other important Australian grains such as wheat have continued with China, growers will look forward to the added opportunity this re-opening of the barley trade delivers.
“We thank Federal Trade Minister Don Farrell and Foreign Minister Penny Wong for their work to expedite the process involving both countries, to re-open this important market and resume trade with mutual benefits for benefit Australian grain producers, and Chinese consumers.”
GPA looks forward to official confirmation and details of this decision, from Australian officials. HERE
Background
In May 2020, tariffs were placed on Australian barley exports to China and a dispute process has been underway with the World Trade Organisation. China h imposed 80.5 per cent duties on Australian barley for the market valued at about $916 million in 2018-19.
China and Australia reached an agreement on 11 April 2023 to a process which has led to the timely removal of import duties on Australian barley.
This two-step process will saw China initiate an expedited review of these duties on Australian barley. This review over three months included an option to extend, and also time to implement the review’s findings.
Australia also temporarily suspended the WTO dispute where, if the duties were removed, resulting from the China review, the case would be withdrawn.
ENDS
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