Australia is pushing for the removal of Chinese trade sanctions on barley and wine exports after high tariffs were imposed in 2020.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong says it's in the interests of both nations to have the impediments removed after a recent breakthrough led to China agreeing to expedite its review of barley sanctions.
Australia in turn agreed to pause its World Trade Organisation dispute against China.
In May 2020 China imposed an 80.5% import tariff, believing that Australian barley had been subsidised and could have negative implication on China’s barley growers. China also imposed tariffs, on coal, beef, wine and lobster.
Senator Wong told Sydney radio station 2GB on Wednesday, “we’re trying to go through a number of processes, including through the World Trade Organisation and discussions with China to resolve these trade agreements."
"There has been some improvement over this last year, particularly in the area of coal. Barley and wine are the next two sectors that we're really focused on."
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says he wants to see a breakthrough with a key economic partner in the interests of the region.
"A lot of exporters are big employers here in Australia. We want to see those trade restrictions lifted in the interests of our people but also in the interest of a peaceful, prosperous, stable and secure region," he said.
Trade Minister Don Farrell is due to travel to China in the coming weeks.
-With AAP
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