Australia will challenge China at the World Trade Organization over Beijing’s decision to impose hefty tariffs on its barley exports, a further sign of deteriorating relations between the two key trading partners.
Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said Wednesday that the government had advised counterparts in Beijing of its intention "to request formal consultations with China.” The dispute process could take years to be resolved, but the organization should recognize that the tariffs are "not underpinned by facts and evidence,” he said.
"We will make this formal request to the WTO tonight,” Birmingham told reporters. "WTO dispute resolution processes are not perfect, and they take longer than would be ideal, but ultimately, it is the right avenue for Australia to take.”