Dairy exports to China reach new record, set for increased tariffs for remainder of 2020 under ChAFTA

Dairy exporters have hit record milk powder sales to China this year, but are about to face a doubling in tariffs under the China Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA).

New government figures show Australia sold a record amount of whole milk powder to China this year, enough to trigger a 10 per cent tariff on exports for the remainder of 2020.

It comes as Victorian timber exports to China have been stopped and winemakers prepare for the possibility an interim tariff could be placed on Australian wine, while China investigates dumping and countervailing claims.

Australian dairy exports to China have grown to be worth more than $1 billion a year, and so far the industry remains unaffected by souring trade tensions between the…