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On China, when we came to government, our bilateral relationship was in a difficult place.
China’s trade impediments were affecting a range of Australian exports, worth over twenty billion dollars.
Political-level dialogue had broken down – so we sought to reverse that.
The relationship needed stabilising in the interests of both countries.
Over the past two years, that’s exactly what the Albanese Government has done.
We acknowledge our differences, but we seek to manage those differences wisely and always act in Australia’s national interest.
I have met my Chinese counterpart, Wang Wentao, six times now, and have pressed for all trade impediments to be removed.
Since the day I took the job as Australia’s Trade Minister, I have sought to resolve trade issues via dialogue, rather than dispute.
We’re seeing the benefits of this constructive engagement.
Only ten days ago China announced that all import duties on Australian bottled wine would be lifted.
We welcome this outcome, which comes at a critical time for the Australian wine industry which is facing a range of challenges.
Since 2020, China’s duties on Australian wine effectively made it unviable for Australian producers to export bottled wine to that market.
This outcome paves the way for Australian producers and exporters to again supply our world-class wine to discerning Chinese consumers.
I know first-hand that Chinese consumers are eager buy our wines.
And who can blame them?
This is the latest example of how our calm and consistent approach is delivering for Australian businesses, workers and exporters.
Overall, $20 billion worth of trade impediments by 2019 figures has been reduced to less than $1 billion.
But we want that figure reduced to zero.
The Government continues to press for the removal of the remaining trade impediments on live rock lobster and a number of red meat export establishments.
The fact is, China is our largest trading partner and will remain so for the foreseeable future.
But that’s not to say we can’t continue to grow opportunities for Australian business – reopening these markets in China as well as expanding exports to other markets.
That is why I will continue encouraging Australian businesses and exporters to diversify trade into new markets; including through trade agreements this Government implemented with India and the United Kingdom.
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Source: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Speaker: Senator the Hon. Don Farrell, Minister for Trade
Format: Speech
China Policy Research 