Australia Brings in WTO Umpire to Resolve China’s Trade Sanctions

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud (L) and Senator Simon Birmingham during a press conference at Parliament House on May 12, 2020 in Canberra, Australia. Sam Mooy/Getty Images

The Australian government is officially taking the Chinese regime to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) over its imposition of duties on barley after several months of Beijing refusing to engage in a dialogue to sort it out.

Federal Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said in a media release on Dec. 16 that Australia “stands ready” to defend the interests of its barley producers and all exporters.