China trade threats leave Australian exporters anxious

Situation made worse by growing tensions in bilateral relationship

A wheat farm in the Australian state of New South Wales. Some Australian businesses have said that they have been struggling recently to export their products to China or clear Chinese Customs. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
A wheat farm in the Australian state of New South Wales. Some Australian businesses have said that they have been struggling recently to export their products to China or clear Chinese Customs. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
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Australia has been bracing itself for potentially devastating trade sanctions from China, leaving exporters anxious amid a steady deterioration of the ties between the two countries.

In recent months, China has restricted or delayed imports of various Australian products, including beef, barley and wine, in a move many consider to be in response to Canberra's call in April for an inquiry into the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on November 12, 2020, with the headline China trade threats leave Australian exporters anxious. Subscribe