Sydney

Australia hopes its trade dispute with China, which has affected billions of dollars in commodity exports, could end after Beijing lifted tariffs on barley, Voice of America (VOA) reported. China’s commerce ministry announced its removal of its 80.5 percent tariff on Australian barley last week, causing diplomatic friction between the two countries.

Australia has insisted the sanctions were punitive and “economic coercion,” while Chinese officials insisted there were sound technical reasons for the duties. Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell expects Beijing to lift similar restrictions on Australian wine exports to China. The Canberra government is challenging China’s tariffs of up to 212% on Australian wine at the World Trade Organisation, which tries to regulate global commerce.

Chinese sanctions also continue on the export of Australian beef, cotton, and seafood. China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao has agreed to visit Australia, although no details have yet been released. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to visit China later this year. Trade in goods and services with China accounts for about a third of Australia’s global trade.