China has dropped its tariffs against Australian barley, putting an end to a three-year dispute that went to the World Trade Organisation and helped relations between Beijing and Canberra to fall to historic lows.
The decision opens the door to further relief from $20 billion in trade sanctions as Australian officials target crippling tariffs on Australian wine that have blocked winemakers from their most profitable market for more than two years.
Grain Producers Australia chairman Barry Large said the resolution of the case would allow Australian producers to recommence selling and exporting our high-quality barley to China.
“While other export 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 reopening of the barley trade delivers,” he said.