SYDNEY (Reuters) – Australia plans to take China to the World Trade Organization over the Asian giant’s decision to slap export tariffs on Australian barley, Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said on Sunday.
Tensions between Australia and China, its largest trading partner, have escalated after Australia called for a global inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus, angering Beijing.
Last week, China announced tariffs on Australian wines, months after imposing levies on barley. Exports of lobster, beef, coal and timber have also been hit in recent months.
Birmingham said the government had attempted to resolve the trade dispute through China’s domestic processes but has been unsuccessful despite “compelling evidence” in its favour.
“So now the WTO appeal for barley is the next step,” Birmingham said on the Australian Broadcasting Corp’s Insiders programme.
“We are engaging there with the grains industry and other sectors to make sure we have strong industry buy-in,” he added.
“I expect that is the process we will go through. I expect that will be the outcome. We are working through just exactly, how and when.”
