Fears China could further cripple Aust exports
20/05/2020|4min
There are fears of major trade reprisals from China, which hasreportedly written up a list of other Australian goods in the firing line. Witha third of Australia’s exports sold to China, Australia’s National FarmersFederation CEO Tony Mahar said he was “acutely aware” of speculation Chinacould impose economic taxes on other Australian industries. “We’re alwaysconscious of any disruptions to trade in an export dominated industry likeagriculture where we export two thirds of what we produce, and a third of thatgoes to China,” he said. After a historic vote at the World Health Assemblyovernight, world leaders agreed to establish an inquiry into the COVID-19response – vindicating Australia’s push for a probe into the COVID-19 outbreak.Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said Australia was committed to the globalinquiry but wanted it to be as independent as possible from the World HealthOrganisation. Labor leader Anthony Albanese told Sky News his party supportedthe government and its unwavering push for an independent inquiry, saying “theCoalition and Labor have been at one, we have had the same position on thismatter”.
