Australian hay growers brace for China hit as export permits lapse amid trade tensions

Australia’s $160-million hay export market to China could be the latest casualty in the ongoing trade tensions between China and Australia. 

Since the end of last month, 28 Australian businesses exporting hay to China have not had their expired permits renewed. 

Western Australia grows just under half of Australia’s 1.2 million tonnes of hay and straw exports, with South Australia and Victoria other key hay-growing states.  

Key markets include Japan, South Korea and Taiwan but China has become a significant buyer of Australian…