Sydney:
Australia’s trade minister threatened to take China to the World Trade Organization on Saturday more than its “unjustifiable” choice to hike duties on Australian wine imports for up to 5 years.
In the most recent salvo amongst Beijing and Canberra, China’s commerce ministry announced levies ranging from 116.2 % to 218.4 % would be slapped on Australian wine imports from Sunday.
Trade Minister Dan Tehan stated the tariffs meant it was “basically impossible” for Australian wine to be competitive in the Chinese market place.
“This decision which has been taken by the Chinese government is extremely disappointing and completely unjustifiable,” Tehan told reporters in Melbourne.
“We will be looking at next steps, and those next steps will include looking at taking this matter to the World Trade Organization.”
On Friday, the Chinese commerce ministry stated it was imposing the duties soon after an investigation discovered “dumping and subsidies on imported wines” from Australia impacted the Chinese market place.
Wine exports to China hit a record A$1.3 billion (US$900 million) in 2019, according to Australian government information, generating it the largest market place by worth for the item.
Late final year, Australia also named for the WTO to investigate Chinese tariffs on barley imports, following a series of financial sanctions or disruptions to Australian merchandise to China’s vast market place.
Diplomatic relations amongst the two nations have reached their lowest considering the fact that the deadly 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown.
Many see the sanctions as retribution for Australia blocking Chinese investment in sensitive locations and publicly calling for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, speaking in Sydney, accused Beijing of applying the tariffs as “retaliation”.
Morrison also stated Australia stood with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson soon after China imposed sanctions on quite a few individuals in the UK and EU more than their vocal assistance for the Uyghur Muslim minority in Xinjiang, exactly where Beijing is accused of abuses.
“So Boris — well done, mate — we stand with you and thank you for standing with Australia as well.”
()