China is dropping trade sanctions on Australian hay and chaff exports in a further sign relations between the two countries are improving.
The federal government announced the restart of hay exports to China yesterday, the Australian Financial Review reports.
They were worth $78 million last year, down from $160 million in 2020 as Beijing imposed trade sanctions on a range of Australian goods in a campaign of economic bullying.
Trade Minister Don Farrell welcomed the move.
“This is another positive step forward, but there is more work to do,” he said.
The government said it is continuing to work to remove restrictions on other Australian commodities including beef, wine and lobster.
Meanwhile, China’s ambassador to Canberra has warned visits by Australian politicians to Taiwan could have “negative effects” on warming relations.
Xiao Qian made the remarks yesterday during an event in Sydney yesterday marking the 74th anniversary of the founding of Communist-ruled China.
A group of federal MPs met the Taiwanese President this week during a visit to the self-ruling island, regarded as a breakaway province by the Chinese government.
Former prime minister Scott Morrison will head to Taiwan next month for an event organised by the territory’s foreign ministry.
(9 NEWS)
