Australia said on Tuesday it may appeal against China’s decision to slap punitive tariffs on imports of Australian barley to the World Trade Organization, but said it was not interested in tit-for-tat trade war. Tensions between the two countries have escalated following Canberra’s call for an inquiry into the origins of coronavirus.
Simon Birmingham, Australia’s trade minister, said he was “deeply disappointed” by Beijing’s decision to impose duties of up to 80 per cent on barley produced in Australia for up to five years — a move farmers say threatens to cripple an A$2bn ($1.3bn) a year industry.
“We reserve all rights to appeal this matter further and are confident that Australian farmers are among the most productive in the world, who operate without government subsidy of prices,” Mr Birmingham said.