Australia refers China to the World Trade Organization over barley tariffs amid ongoing tensions

The Federal Government has confirmed it will appeal to the World Trade Organization (WTO) over China’s decision to impose huge tariffs on Australian barley earlier this year, threatening $2.5 billion of trade.

It is the first time Australia has referred China to the independent umpire over an agricultural commodity.

“This is the logical and appropriate next step for Australia to take,” Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said.

“We are highly confident that based on the evidence, data, and analysis that we have put together already, Australia has an incredibly strong case to mount in relation to defending the integrity and proprietary of our grain growers and barley producers.”

Senator Birmingham admitted WTO dispute settlements could take a…