BEIJING, Nov 30 (Reuters) – The Chinese Commerce Ministry announced on Thursday a review of existing anti-dumping and anti-subsidy tariffs on Australian wine imports. This move is seen as a significant step in the ongoing efforts to enhance bilateral relations between China and Australia.
The decision to conduct this review follows last month’s announcement that China and Australia had reached a consensus to resolve a World Trade Organisation dispute regarding wine. This agreement included a provision to review the anti-dumping tariffs, which are currently set to expire in 2026.
Shu Jueting, a spokesperson for the Commerce Ministry, emphasized the commitment to an objective and fair review process. “The Ministry of Commerce will carry out a review in accordance with the law to fully protect the rights of all stakeholders,” Jueting stated during a regular news conference in Beijing. She assured that the review would be conducted transparently, taking into account the claims and evidence presented by all interested parties.
The ministry has invited stakeholders to submit their comments in writing within a 20-day period.
China’s imposition of a 218% tax on most Australian wine imports in 2021 severely impacted the trade, which was previously valued at up to $1.2 billion annually. The Australian wine industry, which employs thousands, views this review as a positive development.
A spokesperson from the Australian Trade Minister’s Office commented on the government’s active engagement with China to resolve this issue, following the expedited removal of duties on Australian barley. “This is good news for the thousands of Australians who work in the wine industry,” the spokesperson said.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been actively working to mend ties with China, a major trade partner. Relations between the two countries had seen a downturn over various issues, including concerns about Chinese telecoms firm Huawei, espionage allegations, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Albanese’s recent visit to Beijing in early November marked the first by a sitting Australian leader since 2016, indicating a thaw in the diplomatic relations between the two nations.
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