First fields of barley make their way to China

Data from China’s customs agency (GACC) shows that China has imported 314 thousand tonnes of barley from Australia, valued at AU$139 million, since duties were removed in August.

This is the first time in over 3 years that Chinese authorities have released official data showing that Australian barley has returned to China.

The re-entry of Australian barley into the Chinese market is a win-win outcome for the Australian grain industry and Chinese consumers who can once again enjoy beer brewed with high-quality malting barley.

China is an important export destination for Australia’s world-class products, and we have a long history of mutually beneficial trade.

Australian barley exports to China were worth $916 million in 2018-19, before import duties effectively blocked trade in May 2020.

Sustained dialogue with China by the Albanese Labor Government has led to positive trade developments this year including the lifting of trade impediments affecting Australian barley, coal, cotton, copper ores, timber logs, stone fruit, and oaten hay.

We will continue to press for remaining trade impediments affecting Australian live lobster and red meat to be removed, in the interests of both Australia and China. 

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Trade, Don Farrell:

“Trade relations with China are on a positive trajectory thanks to this Government’s mature approach to international relations.

“The removal of duties on Australian barley by China in August was a much needed shot in the arm for Australian farmers.

“I look forward to the removal of import duties on Australian wine following the completion of a review by China; and I will continue to press for the re-entry into China of Australian live lobster and red meat.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt:

“The Albanese Government and agriculture industry welcome the return to business-as-usual trade in barley.

“We are continuing to stabilise trade with China to get greater return for our hard-working farmers and primary producers.

“Better outcomes for farmers mean stronger regional communities and that is good thing for our country.

“Agricultural trade between countries not only benefits Australians, but also provides China’s large population with high-quality produce, which now includes barley.”