Overview
Australian grain growers should be aware of uncertainty and disruption in the market for Australian barley if the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) imposes provisional import tariff/duties on barley imported from Australia. China is Australia’s largest export market for malting and feed barley
Key Dates
November 2018
China initiates anti-dumping investigation into Australian barley
December 2018
China announces ‘countervailing’ investigation against Australian barley imports
January and February 2019
Response provided by Australian exporters and grains industry bodies
March 2019 and ongoing
Australian industry awaiting the outcome of the anti-dumping investigation
2018 Harvest Impact
Australia’s export barley availability from the 2018 crop was severely limited due to drought in eastern Australia.
2019 Harvest and Longer Term
MOFCOM’s investigations and potential to apply provisional measures may have impacts on market opportunities for Australian barley.
Australian growers considering planting barley for the 2019 season are encouraged to be aware of these issues in coming months as they move closer to finalising their cropping plans for the year.
Investigations are likely to take 12 months, provisional measures can be in place for four months, and if duties are applied at the conclusion of the investigation these can remain in place for 12 months or more
