Improving Relations Between Australia and China are Helping to Improve Timber Trade

The Global Times, a CCP-affiliated publication, says that relations between Australia and China have started to warm after an abrupt halt in trade due to what the Chinese government saw as hostile policies from the previous Australian government. Until 2021, Australia had long served as China’s second-largest source of imported coal, as well as being a significant supplier of timber, lobster, and wine.

After two and half years of no trade, Australian coal trade with China in February was set for a full recovery with exports in the month amounting to 207,236 tons, according to data from China’s General Administration of Customs (GAC) cited by the Times. More coal shipments are expected to come in March, Times sources say.

Timber imports to China from Australia are also showing signs of recovery. In January, China imported approximately 502 tones of timber-related products with another 449 tons in February, making the two-month total nearly 1,000 tons. A person with a Chinese domestic timber association told the Times that the timber trade is recovering. However, “It may take more time for a full rebound, since there are many options for domestic consumers other than Australia.”