China lifts suspensions on three Australian abattoirs

The news: China has lifted suspensions on three Australian abattoirs, in a further roll-back of trade sanctions imposed on Australian exports.

The numbers: The Chinese government introduced sanctions worth $20 billion on Australian products during the height of diplomatic tensions in 2020. Beijing is also reviewing bans on Australian wine, a trade previously worth $1.2 billion, through a five-month process after the Albanese government agreed to suspend a dispute lodged with the World Trade Organisation.

The context: China’s customs agency announced products from the three abattoirs will now be allowed to be imported, pending final agreement. Despite the reversal, which follows a series of diplomatic meetings between Australia's federal Trade Minister Don Farrell and his Chinese counterpart Wang Wentao, sanctions remain on a number of Australian meat products, including other producers of beef and rock oysters.

What they said: Farrell said: “The Albanese government will keep pressing for the remaining trade impediments to be removed as soon as possible.”