MNI: China To Normalise Australia Trade After PM Trip -SA Govt

China is likely to drop all remaining trade restrictions on Australian imports following Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s formal visit later this year, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas told MNI on the sidelines of a trade event in Beijing on Monday.

“I believe we will see trade return to normalised status when the PM makes a visit to Beijing, which should happen within the next six months," said Malinauskas, currently in China to lead a South Australian trade delegation to promote engagement with Beijing.

China slapped tariffs on Australian exports in 2020 targeting barley, beef and wine, and introduced unofficial restrictions on lobster, and meat from specific abattoirs. Beijing dropped barley tariffs and its ban on Australian timber earlier this year, but wine and seafood export restrictions remain, severely impacting key South Australian sectors.

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At the event, Malinauskas told attendees he wanted good relations with Beijing. Chinese investment is welcome in South Australia and Chinese expertise complimented the state's plans to expand sustainable energy infrastructure. “South Australia is well positioned for cooperation with China, especially with regards to sustainable transition and education,” he added, noting opportunities offered by the state's abundant solar and wind energy.

Malinauskas’ presence in China comes after Albanese met Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the ASEAN summit in Jakarta earlier this month, ending a years-long diplomatic freeze. Albanese's visit, which will be the first by an Australian prime minister in over seven years, is likely to take place between Oct 31 and Nov 4, a symbolic date that marks the 50th anniversary of former PM Gough Whitlam’s first official trip to China.