China Rejects Australian Appeal to Remove Barley Tariff

China has rejected Australia’s appeal to scrap a tariff on its barley exports, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters, all but closing the door on a trade worth about A$1.5 billion ($1.05 billion) in 2018.

The rejection comes after Australia sought a formal review over duties totalling 80.5% that China imposed this year, citing as grounds subsidies and dumping, activities that Australia has denied.

Australia had requested the ministry in August for a formal review of its processes, following the imposition of the duties on barley. About 70% of Australian exports of the grain typically go to China, Australian data show.