China lifts heavy tariffs on Australian wine as ties improve

China said Thursday that it will lift tariffs placed on Australian wine over three years ago, in a sign of improving ties between the two countries.

HONG KONG — China said Thursday that it will lift tariffs placed on Australian wine over three years ago, in a sign of improving ties between the two countries.

China’s Ministry of Commerce said the decision would take effect Friday.

China imposed tariffs on Australian wine in 2020 during a diplomatic feud over Australia’s support for a global inquiry into the origins of Covid-19. The duties on Australian wine skyrocketed above 200%.

Australian wine producers took a heavy hit from the tariffs, as China was Australia’s top wine export destination.

The Australian government welcomed the decision, saying in a statement that the tariffs were lifted at a “critical time for the Australian wine industry.”

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/china-lifts-heavy-tariffs-australian-wine-rcna145426

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