Australia Calls for Normalized Trade Ties with China, Urges Removal of Trade Curbs
Australia’s assistant minister for trade has emphasized the importance of normalizing trade relations with China and urged Beijing to eliminate the remaining trade restrictions. Australia is currently engaged in discussions with its largest trading partner to lift tariffs on Australian wine imports, which were imposed in March 2021. During the peak of diplomatic tensions in 2020 and 2021, China imposed import tariffs on various Australian exports including wine, red meat, lobsters, and timber.
Tim Ayres, the assistant minister for trade, expressed the desire for trade with China to return to normal and stabilize across all sectors. He highlighted that until all impediments are removed, it cannot be claimed that trade is back to normal.
Australia’s Position on Trade with China
Ayres’ remarks align with Australia’s official stance, as previously stated by trade minister Don Ferrell. Following Beijing’s decision to lift tariffs on Australian barley imports, Australia agreed to temporarily suspend its World Trade Organization complaint against China regarding the 80.5% duties imposed in 2020. The suspension aimed to expedite China’s review of the tariff decision, which previously impacted a barley trade worth approximately 1.5 billion Australian dollars ($988.1 million).
Ayres emphasized that it is not in the interest of Chinese businesses to maintain trade impediments. He stressed the importance of confidence in a rules-based approach to trade and highlighted the upcoming meeting as an opportunity to emphasize the need for further progress.