China’s commerce ministry said Thursday it was lifting punitive tariffs on Australian wine, as trade ties improve between the two countries after years of tension.
“In view of changes in the market situation of the relevant wines in China, it is no longer necessary to impose anti-dumping duties and anti-subsidy duties on imports of the relevant wines originating in Australia,” the ministry said in a statement, adding that the tariffs would be lifted on Friday.
China imposed tariffs on key Australian exports such as wine, barley and beef in 2020 after Canberra legislated against overseas influence, barred Huawei from 5G contracts and called for a probe into the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic.
But trade restrictions have tapered since Australia’s centre-left government won election in 2022 and adopted a less confrontational approach.
Tariffs and barriers have already tumbled for commodities including Australian coal, timber and barley.
“Based on the proposal from the Ministry of Commerce, the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council has decided to terminate the imposition of anti-dumping duties on imported wine originating in Australia starting March 29, 2024; after the cessation of anti-dumping duties, no anti-subsidy duties will be levied,” the Chinese ministry said in its statement.
