Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, has announced that the government has reached an agreement with China to resolve its dispute over Australian barley. 

While China conducts a review into duties imposed on the grain, Australia will suspend its case at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

“China has agreed to undertake an expedited review of the duties imposed on Australian barley over a 3-month period, that may extend to a fourth, if required,” said Minister Wong at a press conference today.

“In return, we have agreed to temporarily suspend the WTO dispute for the agreed review period.”

CEO of Grain Trade Australia, Pat O’Shannassy told Joe Hildebrand that today was a good start but “let’s not get ahead of ourselves”.

“The reality is that China is still our largest export market and we hope that it continues into the future,” said Mr O’Shannassy.

See more highlights from Deb Knight below: