The announcement by Minster for Trade, Tourism, and Investment Dan Tehan that Australia will formally request the World Trade Organisation (WTO) establish a Dispute Panel in relation to the anti-dumping and countervailing duty measures applied to Australian barley by China is a welcome move in ensuring this matter be resolved by the “trade umpire”.
This is the next step in the procedural process of establishing a WTO Dispute Panel. The Dispute Panel would be examining the details of the anti-dumping claim and China’s justification for imposing tariffs on Australian barley.
Recognising the complexities of WTO action, GrainGrowers has prepared a resource for growers to keep them up to date on the timings and steps in this process.
“Our growers are getting on with the job of producing safe and nutritious grains. We want to ensure though that they have the information they need about the WTO process because it will take time and it is complex”. said Brett Hosking, GrainGrowers Chair.
“We also urge the Government to continue focussing on resolving this matter bilaterally or through WTO action.”
“This issue that has had a significant impact on Australian barley markets is outside of growers’ control. It is critical that market access for Australian agriculture is a priority for the Australian Government and that there is a strengthening of new and existing trade relationships. Many of our growers have had a bumper harvest and we need market development opportunities to make the most out of the positive season.”
