Australia threatens WTO actions as China hikes duty on wine
27 March, 2021
Australia's trade minister threatened to take on China to the World Trade Business on Saturday (Mar 27) above its "unjustifiable" decision to hike duties on Australian wine imports for five years.
In the latest salvo between Beijing and Canberra, China's commerce ministry announced levies which range from 116.2 % to 218.4 % would be slapped on Australian wine imports from Sunday.
Trade Minister Dan Tehan said the tariffs meant it had been "basically impossible" for Australian wine to compete in the Chinese industry.
"This decision which includes been taken by the Chinese government is extremely disappointing and completely unjustifiable," Tehan told reporters found in Melbourne.
"We will be looking at next techniques, and the ones next steps includes looking at taking this subject to the Globe Trade Organization."
On Friday, the Chinese commerce ministry explained it was imposing the duties after a study found "dumping and subsidies on imported wines" from Australia impacted the Chinese industry.
Wine exports to China reach a record A$1.3 billion (US$900 million) in 2019, according to Australian government info, making it the largest market by worth for the product.
Late last year, Australia also called for the WTO to investigate Chinese tariffs in barley imports, following a series of monetary sanctions or perhaps disruptions to Australian goods to China's vast industry.
Diplomatic relations between your two countries reach their lowest since the deadly 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown.
Many see the sanctions as retribution for Australia blocking Chinese investment on sensitive areas and publicly calling for a study in to the origins of the coronavirus.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, speaking on Sydney, accused Beijing of using the tariffs as "retaliation".
Morrison also said Australia stood with British Primary Minister Boris Johnson after China imposed sanctions on several persons in the UK and EU more than their vocal support for the Uyghur Muslim minority found in Xinjiang, where Beijing is accused of abuses.
"So Boris -- done well, mate -- we stand with you and many thanks for standing up with Australia aswell."
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