China lifts ban on Australian timber imports in another sign of improving bilateral relations

For the first time in more than two years, China has allowed imports of Australian timber, another indication that the two countries’ strained relationship is being healed

Canberra

China opened its doors on May 18 to Australian timber imports for the first time in more than two years, in another sign that the tattered bilateral relationship is being repaired.

Timber was on a list of Australian exports subjected to official and unofficial Chinese trade barriers imposed in 2020 after Australia called for an independent inquiry into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The list that included coal, wine, barley, beef, seafood, cotton and copper was estimated to cost Australian exporters $14 billion a year.

But relations have improved since the centre-left Labour Party came to power a year ago, ending nine years of conservative rule in Australia. Australian coal, cotton and copper exports to China have recently resumed.

Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian said the timber ban had been lifted from May 18 because Australian exporters had satisfied China's quarantine concerns. The Australian government was officially informed on May 17.

“So from today on, the Australian timber is going back to China,” Mr. Xiao told reporters.