Grain Producers Australia welcomes new China barley market process

Grain Producers Australia welcomes new moves with the potential to expedite the re-commencement of Australian barley exports to China.

Trade Minister Don Farrell and Foreign Minister Penny Wong made the announcement today of a new process involving both countries, which could lead to the important market resuming for Australian grain producers and industry in coming months.

In May 2020, tariffs were placed on Australian barley exports to China and a dispute process has been underway with the World Trade Organisation.

While other exports markets have purchased Australian barley over the past two years, and trade for other important Australian grains such as wheat have continued with China, growers would welcome the return of the China market, Grain Producers Australia Chair, Barry Large said.

Mr Large said the re-opening of the Australian barley exports to China would be a win for consumers and industry in China and for Australian grain producers and exporters.

“We welcome this new process and look forward to a positive outcome,” he said.

“Barley is an important rotation crop for Australian growers and any optimism on the future outlook is good.

"This process to reach a resolution would be significantly shorter than if the WTO process continued.

“We welcome the Labor Government’s constructive dialogue and positive progress towards stabilising the relationship with China, and creating this process and opportunity to recommence the barley trade.”