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Chinese tariff a blow to Australian barley growers

Australian barley growers have warned of a blow to the nation's economy after China placed an 80 per cent tariff on imports.China has imposed harsh taxes on Australian barley, with separate tariffs of 73.6 per cent for dumping allegations and 6.9 per cent over supposed government subsidies.Both claims have been emphatically denied by the Federal Government and Australian farmers.Diplomatic tensions between Canberra and Beijing have soared after Australia pushed for an inquiry into the origins of coronavirus.More than 110 nations, including China, backed the inquiry at the World Health Assembly on May 18.NFF chief executive Tony Mahar said China's claims were completely false.“It is particularly devastating after the time that Australian farmers have had in the last number of years with droughts, floods and fires,” Mr Mahar said.Australia is the biggest barley supplier to China, providing more than half of its exports worth up to $2 billion a year.Producers will be on the hunt for new export markets, with India and Indonesia — the latter having recently signed a trade deal with Australia — considered prime options.

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