Beijing has agreed to reassess sanctions through a five-month process, initiated after the Albanese government decided to temporarily suspend its dispute with the World Trade Organisation until March 31.
In a recent interim recommendation, China declared the tariffs on Australian wine unnecessary, raising optimism for their complete removal. The final decision is expected later this month.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized that the government has stabilized relations with China without compromising national values through calm and consistent dialogue. Wong stated, “We continue to press for all remaining trade impediments to be removed.”
Trade Minister Don Farrell welcomed the interim recommendation, asserting that it supports the government’s approach of resolving trade issues through dialogue rather than confrontation.
Following a similar process last August, China lifted tariffs on Australian barley after the Labor government paused a WTO dispute for review. Senator Farrell, who recently met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Wentao at the WTO’s ministerial conference in Abu Dhabi, expressed satisfaction with this diplomatic approach.
China’s Ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, remarked on Monday that the review is progressing in the right direction. However, sanctions totaling $2 billion on wine, rock lobster, and certain abattoirs remain in place.
During heightened tensions in 2020, Beijing imposed $20 billion in sanctions on various Australian products.
