Coronavirus: China threat to put tariffs on Australian barley ‘concerning’
China’s plan to punish Australia over its push for an independent inquiry set to prompt an ‘unjustified’ response.
Trade Minister Simon Birmingham has described reports that China will slap tariffs on Australian barley, following calls by the Morrison government for an independent review into COVID-19, as “deeply” concerning.
Responding to moves by China’s Ministry of Commerce to consider imposing tariffs on all barley imported from Australia, with Beijing running an anti-dumping investigation into Australian exports, Senator Birmingham said the government reserved “all rights to continue to defend the interests of our barley producers”.
“The Australian government is deeply concerned by reports that unjustified duties may be levied on Australian barley imports into China. Our barley producers operate in a competitive global market without any trade distorting subsidies and price their products in an entirely commercial way,” Senator Birmingham said.
“We have worked with the Australian grains industry to mount the strongest possible case against China’s anti-dumping investigation. We will use the remaining time before China finalises its decision to continue our efforts to resolve this matter satisfactorily and will seek to uphold the integrity of our world leading barley producers.
Senator Birmingham said while Australia respected China’s rights to undertake domestic investigations into anti-dumping matters “we do not accept that there is a prima facie case, let alone a conclusive case, to find dumping by or subsidy of Australian producers”.
Following other diplomatic disputes in recent years, China imposed temporary restrictions and delaying tactics on Australian wine and coal products.
China’s 18-month investigation into Australia’s barley exports was due to be finalised by May 19. Australia has been given a 10-day period to respond to China.
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