China has banned Australian chilled beef imports beginning August 26th claiming issues of food safety, however the action is being viewed as a non-tariff barrier enacted to protect the domestic industry. Free trade talks between Australian and China – Australia’s biggest trade partner, are about to restart and the validity of China’s food safety claims are being questioned as the country has stated that it will allow imports under a quota system if shortages occur. Over the past year chilled beef imports into China increased 873% over the previous year because of domestic food scandals and the country cracking down on food smuggling. Total Australian chilled beef imports to China are expected to reach a value of $600 million making China the third biggest export market behind Japan and the U.S.
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