Exports to China soar to $17bn as trade barriers fall

A record $16.8 billion in agriculture, fisheries and forestry exports went to China in the last financial year as punitive trade barriers fell. The export increase in the 2022/23 financial year marked a 22 per cent increase in value from the previous year. Cotton, barley and roundwood subject to trade impediments were boosted in the year to October 2023 after the barriers came down. Cotton exports were valued at $824 million, a $757 million jump from the previous 12 months; barley was worth $443 million compared with $0; and roundwood was worth $780,000, up $646,000. Barriers remain on Australian wine…