China Lifts Ban on Australian Timber Imports

According to ABC News (5-18-23), China’s Ambassador to Australia said on Thursday that Australian timber exporters had satisfied China’s quarantine concerns, and China has reopened its door to Australian timber imports for the first time in more than two years. Prior to the timber ban, Australian timber exports were worth $1 billion a year.

Timber was on a list of Australian exports subjected to official and unofficial Chinese trade barriers imposed in 2020 after Australia called for an independent inquiry into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The trade breakthrough came after Australia’s Trade Minster, Don Farrell, visited Beijing last weekend seeking to lift trade barriers, especially on Australian wine and barley.

China is Australia’s largest trading partner, with two-way trade between the countries totaling $287 billion last year.