# China suspends barley imports from Australia's largest grain exporter CBH Source URL: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-02/china-suspends-barley-imports-australia-cbh/12619288 Date: 20200901T1431 Australia's largest grain exporter says it has been suspended from sending barley to China, as trade tensions between the two nations continue to escalate. ## Key points: * CBH said it was disappointed by the decision * The company added it would work with the Australian Government to challenge the suspension * China said the decision was made after "quarantine pests" were found in CBH barley exports, Reuters reported In a letter to growers, Western Australian grain handler CBH said the Australian Government had been advised of the suspension by China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) on Monday and it had taken effect on Tuesday. "In recent months, CBH was advised by the Australian Government that GACC had notified them that several CBH barley cargoes, that had already been discharged in China, did not meet phytosanitary requirements," it said in the letter. "CBH has not found any evidence to support these claims. The cargoes were all retested and it was confirmed that all cargoes met Australian Government phytosanitary export requirements." According to Reuters, China said the decision was made after "quarantine pests" were found in barley exports from the company "multiple times". CBH, which is owned and operated by around 3,900 Western Australian growers, rejected the claims and said it was disappointed by the decision. "We will work with the Australian Government to challenge the suspension," it said in a statement. CBH said the Australian Government was told about the suspension on Monday and that it came into effect on Tuesday.(AAP: Lukas Coch) The decision comes after[ China imposed an 80 per cent tariff on Australian barley][1] in response to dumping allegations which have been denied by Australia. Beef exports from some Australian abattoirs have also been suspended, [while China has launched a second investigation into Australian wine][2]. In a speech last week, one of China's most senior diplomats accused Australia of damaging the relationship between Beijing and Canberra by pushing for an independent inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. "It hurts the feelings of the Chinese people," deputy head of mission at the Chinese embassy, Wang Xining, [told the National Press Club][3]. "All of a sudden, they heard this shocking news of a proposal coming from Australia, which is supposed to be a good friend of China." The next day, [Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a proposal][4] to give the Commonwealth powers to tear up agreements between state governments and foreign countries, if they are not considered to be in the national interest. Mr Morrison did not point to any particular nations however a controversial trade deal between the Victorian and Chinese governments is expected to be scrapped if the legislation passes. [1]: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-18/china-to-impose-tariffs-on-australian-barley/12261108 [2]: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-31/china-launches-anti-subsidy-investigation-into-australian-wine/12612896 [3]: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-26/senior-chinese-diplomat-addresses-australia-coronavirus-tensions/12596602 [4]: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-27/scott-morrison-china-belt-and-road-cancel-state-agreements/12596184