December 9, 2020
1 min read

Australia blames China for breaking trade deal

China has imposed sanctions or halts on Australian goods such as grain, wine and beef this year. This has caused alarm in Australia, as China is its biggest trading partner…reports Asian Lite News

The Australian government has accused China of undermining their free trade agreement over a series of actions by Beijing against Australian export goods.

In his strongest comments yet, Australian Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said China had “targeted” a dozen Australian goods amid tensions between the countries, the BBC reported on Wednesday.

China has imposed sanctions or halts on Australian goods such as grain, wine and beef this year. This has caused alarm in Australia, as China is its biggest trading partner.

“We continue to raise issues of apparent potential, discriminatory actions targeted against Australia,” Birmingham said, adding Australia was “considering all dispute settlement options”.

China buys more than a third of Australia’s exports, and accounts for 27 per cent of two-way trade. Beijing has accused Australia of “unfriendly” and “hostile” attitudes towards China, amid a deteriorating political row.

Last week, Australia reacted angrily to a Chinese official’s post on Twitter which included a graphic, fake image of an Australian soldier killing an Afghan child.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison demanded an apology from Beijing, which was rejected.

The two nations signed a free trade agreement in 2015, which reduced tariffs and increased access to dozens of goods.

But since May, China has imposed successive sanctions on Australian goods including barley, meat and dairy products, timber, coal and cotton.

More recently, it placed tariffs of up to 200 per cent on Australian wine – citing allegations of illegal trade practices, which are disputed by Australia.

On Wednesday, Birmingham confirmed another Australian beef producer had also been blocked.

“The targeted nature of Chinese government measures on Australian goods raises concerns about China’s adherence to the letter and spirit of its ChAFTA (free trade agreement) and WTO obligations,” he told Australia’s Senate.

Also read:Australia sees record-breaking online shopping boom

Previous Story

Asian Lite Daily Digital UK – December 9, 2020 – Deal on Irish Borders Fuel Brexit Hopes

Next Story

Deal on Irish Borders Fuel Brexit Hopes

Latest from -Top News

Jaishankar: India’s Diaspora Key To Globalisation

At the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, EAM S Jaishankar spotlighted Odisha’s pivotal role in India’s globalisation journey. He emphasised the “3Ts”—Trade, Technology, and Tourism—as key growth drivers for the state. Jaishankar urged

India-EU Ties Gain Momentum With Modi-Costa Talks

PM Modi and European Council President Antonio Costa reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the India-EU Strategic Partnership, focusing on green energy, trade, and digital innovation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the steady

India, EU Discuss Human Rights in Delhi

India and the EU reiterated their commitment to the shared principles and values of democracy, freedom, rule of law, and to the promotion and protection of all human rights…reports Asian Lite News

Canada 51st State? Trump Stirs Controversy

Trump reiterated his plan to impose “substantial” tariffs on goods from both Canada and Mexico….reports Asian Lite News US President-elect Donald Trump has proposed the idea of using “economic force” to merge
Go toTop