"On the Chinese side, there is ample evidence to show its decisions on beef and barley imports were made on the basis of facts. According to Chinese statistics, Australia's barley imports to China increased by 67.14 percent from 3.87 million tons in 2014 to 6.48 million tons in 2017, with the import price down more than 31 percent from $288.72 per ton to $198.05 per ton.
Yet, as the situation has been changing rapidly, it cannot be taken for granted that the trade spat could not develop into a trade war. The news came on Wednesday that Chinese customs authorities have announced an adjustment to the quality inspection and supervision of imported iron ore. That move, coming amid tensions, may lead some to believe it targets Australia, though there is no evidence that the new adjustment will have any negative impact on future iron ore imports from Australia".
