Trade minister to push China for lifting of $20 billion restrictions

A warming in Australia-China relations over the past year has raised hopes the $20 billion restrictions on barley, wine, beef, lobster and other exports will be lifted by the end of the year.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Farrell said he will lobby for a resolution of the trade dispute as well as raising the continuing detention of journalist Cheng Lei and writer Yang Hengjun, the Australian Financial Review reports.

“During my visit I will be advocating strongly for the full resumption of unimpeded Australian exports to China – for all sectors – to the benefit of both countries and in the interests of Australian exporters and producers. I will also raise other issues of importance to Australians,” he said.

Farrell will be the first Australian trade minister to visit China since 2019 when Canberra-Beijing relations began to sour under the former Morrison government.

The Albanese government has been pushing for a normalisation of relations with Beijing despite its concerns about China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo Pacific region.

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In February, Farrell held a virtual meeting with his Chinese counterpart. It came after Foreign Minister Penny Wong visited Beijing last December and held talks with senior officials.

“In February, Minister Wang and I agreed to enhanced dialogue at all levels as a pathway towards the full resumption of trade,” Farrell said.

“Since then, the Australian government is pleased there have been several positive trade developments, including the resumption of coal, cotton, and copper trade and China’s agreement to undertake an expedited review of duties on Australian barley.”

China is Australia’s largest trading partner, worth $287 billion in 2022.