BEIJING - China has suspended imports from four major Australian beef abattoirs after Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison voiced his support for an independent inquiry regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
As reported by The Sydney Morning Herald, Australia is due to urge a global independent inquiry into the origins of COVID-19 at this week’s World Health Assembly; in response, Chinese Ambassador to Australia Cheng Jingye has said that Chinese consumers could boycott Australian products such as beef and wine “out of a patriotic sense of duty”.
“We are concerned that the suspensions appear to be based on highly technical issues, which in some cases date back more than a year,” said Australian Trade Minister Simon Birmingham and Agriculture Minister David Littleproud in a joint statement on Tuesday (12/5).
“We will work with industry and authorities in both Australia and China to seek to find a solution that allows these businesses to resume their normal operations as soon as possible.”
According to Meat and Livestock Australia, Australia was the world’s most valuable beef exporter in 2019, with beef exports generating A$10.8 billion in revenue. China accounted for 24% of Australia’s total beef exports in the year, up from 14% in 2018 and 11% in 2017. (MS)