Australia-China barley row escalates to World Trade Organisation dispute panel

Australia’s claim that China breached international trading rules by imposing tariffs on barley last year will be referred to a dispute panel to be established by the World Trade Organisation.

Beijing imposed tariffs on Australian-grown barley in May 2020, claiming farmers had dumped the grain in China for cheaper than it cost to produce.

Australia denied any anti-competitive behaviour, and in December referred the tariffs to the World Trade Organisation, which acts as an independent umpire.

Trade Minister Dan Tehan said talks between China and Australia had failed and the government would now request a dispute panel be established by the WTO.

“There’s been constructive engagement on both sides and I thank the Chinese officials…