THE Australian Government has reached an agreement with China that creates a pathway towards resolving the dispute over Australian barley.
The announcement was made in Adelaide today.
Since 2020, China’s 80.5 percent duties on Australian barley have effectively blocked exports to that market, worth about $916 million in 2018-19.
Following recent dialogue, China has agreed to undertake an expedited review of the duties over a three-month period, which may extend to a fourth if required.
National grower representative body Grain Producers Australia has welcomed the announcement and its potential to allow Australian barley exports to China to resume.
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, GPA chair and Western Australian grower Barry Large said growers would welcome the return of the China market.
“We welcome this new process and look forward to a positive outcome,” Mr Large said.