The process was opened after consultation with Australian wine producers, the government said, declaring itself open to direct dialogue with China to resolve the issue.
Australia and China are in a trade conflict. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison previously warned that his government would respond to all countries that tried to use “economic cohesion” to punish Australian producers.
The measure was announced days after the G7 summit in the United Kingdom, the seven most industrialized countries, where Australia defended a strong crackdown against China’s trade practices.
In recent months, Beijing has imposed economic sanctions on various Australian products, such as tariffs on agricultural products, coal or wine, as well as measures against tourism.
Many voices in Australia believe it is in retaliation against Australia’s rejection of Chinese investments in sectors considered strategic, as well as Australia’s request to investigate the origins of the coronavirus pandemic that began in China in late 2019.
Australia has already filed a lawsuit against China at the World Trade Organization over tariffs on barley exports.
