The Australian government has announced it is temporarily suspending its World Trade Organisation (WTO) case against China over barley exports after Beijing announced it was reviewing tariffs on them.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong, speaking alongside Trade Minister Don Farrell today, said it was in the interest of both countries to solve the dispute as part of stabilising relations.
“Obviously, stabilisation and the resolution of trade issues will take time. But we’re pleased that constructive dialogue has resumed,” Wong said.
“We’ve had a number of discussions at foreign minister level, at trade minister, at assistant minister level, and also at leader level.”
Wong said that China has agreed to undertake an expedited review of the duties imposed on Australian barley over a three-month period, that may extend to a fourth, if required.
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In return, Australia agreed to temporarily suspend the WTO dispute for the agreed review period.
China imposed an 80.5 per cent combined tariff on Australian barley exports in May 2020 as relations between Canberra and Beijing hit a low point.
Chinese authorities also imposed trade sanctions on other Australian good such as coal, wine and seafood.
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