China resumes imports of Australian timber in sign of thaw

Uncertainties remain over Beijing's restrictions on barley, wine and more

20230518N timber

China closed its doors to Australian timber imports in 2020 amid growing tensions over COVID-19. © Reuters

RURIKA IMAHASHI, Nikkei staff writer

SYDNEY -- China on Thursday lifted a yearslong ban on Australian timber imports, signaling a further easing in tensions between the two countries.

"The Chinese customs [agency has] formally notified the Australian minister of agriculture that, starting from today, China will resume import of Australian timbers," Xiao Qian, the Chinese ambassador to Australia, said Thursday.

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