Australia’s Barley Sales to China Boom as Wine Decision Pending
- Wine-makers are waiting on tariff decision expected in March
- China market power highlights difficulty of diversifying sales
A field of barley in Balliang, Victoria, Australia.
Photographer: Carla Gottgens/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Australia’s barley sales to China have soared since Beijing scrapped tariffs six months ago, highlighting the power of the huge market as the wine industry Down Under prepares for a possible end to its restrictions.
In an example of how quickly demand can rebound, China accounted for 90% of Australia’s exports of barley in December, even though the curbs were only removed in August. Shortly after that, Beijing announced a review of tariffs on Australian wine — some as high as 218% — with a decision expected next month.