The Federal Member for Mallee, Anne Webster expressed deep frustration with China’s increasingly strained trade relationship with Australia.‘Farmers in Mallee are committed to producing top quality products and have worked hard to secure export pathways into China. This is predicated on the fact that Australian farmers such as barley growers are the most efficient in the world, and China have not acknowledged this.“Many farmers have expressed their deep concern to me about China’s behaviour and unwarranted barriers to trade. This has resulted in a great insecurity about the future of trade with China.’ Dr Webster said.‘I have been asked by growers this week to confirm that the Commonwealth Government is working to smooth tensions with China, which I have done in consultation with the Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud. However, I have made it clear to producers that despite the work of the Minister’s of Trade and Agriculture, there is no guarantee that China will play ball or adhere to the rules.’ Dr Webster said.‘The Commonwealth is working to open up and secure new trade opportunities for Australian produce, such as UK and EU. I empathise with farmers who have often spent years developing trade relationships with importers, but I have had to advise them that diversification of their export routes is wise at this juncture.’Australia’s Minister for Agriculture has today expressed the Australian Government’s extreme disappointment in the decision of Chinese authorities to impose preliminary tariffs of between 107.1% to 212.1% on Australian wine.“The fact is Australia produces amongst the least subsidised product in the world and provides the second lowest level of farm subsidies in the OECD.“Today’s decision is a seriously concerning development and one which Australia will be vigorously fighting against.“The Australian Government categorically rejects any allegation that our wine producers are dumping product into China, and we continue to believe there is no basis or any evidence for these claims.“We will continue to work with our wine industry and Chinese authorities as part of the ongoing dumping investigation, but we will of course consider all of our options moving forward.“Australian wine is hugely popular both in China and across the globe due to its high quality and we are confident that a full and thorough investigation will confirm this,” Minister Littleproud said today.