GrainGrowers supports the Australian Government’s decision to refer the barley case to the World Trade Organisation. China made allegations that Australia was dumping barley into the Chinese market and that Australian farmers were being subsidised.
The Australian grains industry has been fully cooperative and provided all necessary information through the options available to date, yet this has done little to change the outcome of the tariffs.
By taking the tariffs to the WTO, the Australian Government is asking the international umpire to step in and review the facts of the case.
It is estimated that the tariffs will cost Australian barley producers around $2.5billion over the next five years. Australian barley exports to China have effectively been halted since the tariffs were applied with the price artificially increased, making it uncompetitive in the Chinese market.
“We recognise that the WTO process will be time-consuming and complex. It is important that while this is underway, the Australian Government also prioritise strengthening trade relationships and market access for Australian agriculture and our barley industry.” said Brett Hosking, GrainGrowers Chairman.
“We also see this as an opportunity for the government to work with the grains industry to look at alternative markets for barley. We will continue to represent growers on this issue.”
“GrainGrowers trust that the Australian Government will also soon announce the steps it will take to ensure expansion of market development opportunities. Taking this to the WTO is a step in the right direction but government has much more it can do to help us through this, especially as these issues are completely out of the growers’ control.”
