China Has Increased Its Import Tax On Australian Wine

China Has Increased Its Import Tax On Australian Wine

China has increased its import tax on Australian wine. The move is likely to exacerbate political tensions between Beijing and Canberra. Australia is one of the supporters of the investigation into the origin of the coronavirus, which began to spread from the Chinese city of Wuhan at the end of last year. The Chinese have raised tariffs on wine from Australia to 212.1%, with the decision taking effect on Saturday. The local Ministry of Commerce argues that the import of cheap Australian wine harms Chinese winemakers. The Australian government has said it will not subsidize wine exports. Secretary of Commerce Simon Birmingham said tariffs would make Australian wine uncompetitive in the world's most populous country, which buys about 40 percent of Australian production. China, Australia's largest export market, has also suspended or imposed import restrictions on Australian beef, cereals, seafood, sugar and wood. The ruling Communist Party in China is trying to avert criticism about the origin of the coronavirus. He claims that the disease originates from abroad, even though there is very little evidence to support these claims. Beijing officials are also frustrated that Australia is introducing measures to block Chinese influence in its territory and has banned Chinese telecommunications equipment giant Huawei from participating in the planned next-generation telephone network.