BANGKOK – Australia’s trade minister has described as “deeply disappointing” China’s decision to place tariffs of around 80% on Australian barley in a dispute that has been linked to Australian support for a coronavirus inquiry.
The tariffs that take effect Tuesday come a week after China banned beef imports from Australia’s four largest abattoirs over labeling issues.
Trade Minister Simon Birmingham rejects China’s claim that barley is subsidized by the Australian government. Birmingham also says Australia could appeal to the World Trade Organization to resolve both the beef and barley disputes.
Birmingham said he has tried without success to speak to his Chinese counterpart Zhong Shan for the past week. In Beijing, foreign ministry