Some media say China will impose high tariffs on Australian barley. (Photo of The Australian)
China will impose high tariffs on Australian barley, media reported. While the news has not yet been officially confirmed, the Australian trade minister, Birmingham (Simon Birmingham), has said it intends to refer the dispute to the World Trade Organization (WTO). After that, Prime Minister Morrison (Scott Morrison) shouted that he would be disappointed if China retaliated.
Australian media sources said Beijing would close its 18-month anti-dumping investigation on Australian barley products by May 19. China`s Ministry of Commerce is considering tariffs on all barley imported from Australia.
Before news of the trade dispute came out, Australia and China had launched a month-long "spat" on the issue of tracing the outbreak. Australia said it supported the European Union`s motion to investigate at this month`s World Health Assembly.
Birmingham said Australia would consider all means, including the WTO, to protect Australian farmers rights while fighting China.
"We hope that we will achieve positive results in the coming days by ensuring that Australian farmers and barley producers do not receive undue subsidies and that their products are not dumped on foreign markets. However, if the situation is against them, then we absolutely reserve the rights, to seek all other avenues, including through the WTO. "He said.
Canberra has 10 days to explain why China should not impose tariffs on Australian barley, the Australian newspaper reported. With tariffs as high as 70 to 80 per cent, Australia`s barley exports will lose hundreds of millions of Australian dollars, making it unsustainable. Last year, the country`s barley exports were affected by drought, trade with China has fallen to $600 million.
The Birmingham senator claimed that while Australia respects China`s domestic investigation of anti-dumping rights ," we do not agree with the existence of prima facie evidence of dumping or subsidies by Australian producers, let alone conclusive evidence. "
The agricultural minister, litpraud (David Littleproud), also insisted that australia did not subsidize or dump barley on the chinese market ," which we expect to prove to china ".
He echoed Birmingham`s remarks :" As the Trade minister noted, if we disagree with the outcome, we go to the WTO. "
Labour`s shadow trade minister Kim (Madeleine King) and shadow agriculture minister Fagbon (Joel Fitzgibbon) called for a speedy resolution of the trade dispute and for a "productive" relationship. with China
"China has not yet made a final decision and government have to resolve it in the coming days to protect Australia`s important barley industry ," they said in a statement. Building productive trade relationship is in the interest of both countries. Australia and China are well-connected in trade and investment, which is good for both of us. "
Morrison: No retaliation from China
Morrison said he did not want China to pursue a "retaliation" against Australia for seeking a new title. (Photo of Sydney Morning Herald)
Australian Prime Minister Morrison (Scott Morrison) then responded by claiming that he would be "disappointed" if China raised concerns about Australia`s dumping of barley as "retaliation" for Australia`s search for a new crown.
"We expect and hope that the issues will depend on their merits. But Morrison added :" China certainly did not mention that the matter was related to any other issue. But if I did, I`d be disappointed. "
