The Australian government has revealed that China is lifting restrictions on imports of hay from Australia, signaling a positive move in normalizing trade relations between the two nations.
China imposed restrictions on the import of various commodities from Australia in 2020, following Australia’s call for an investigation into the origins of COVID-19. However, these barriers began to ease after a change in government in Canberra last year.
While Australian exports of commodities such as barley, coal, and timber to China have resumed earlier this year, obstacles remain for exports of wine, lobsters, and meat from certain abattoirs.
Trade Minister Don Farrell expressed optimism about this development but stressed that more work remains. He intends to continue advocating for the removal of all remaining impediments in a timely manner.
It’s important to note that certain procedural steps are still pending before shippers can recommence hay exports to China.
In 2021, Australia exported hay and chaff worth A$78 million ($50 million) to China, compared to A$160 million in 2020. The total hay and chaff exports from Australia for 2022-23 amounted to A$467 million.
In contrast, the United States saw its hay exports to China grow to $698.8 million in the previous year, representing an 18% increase from the year before, according to trade data.
