The Times Australia
The Times Australia

.

ANALYSIS: U.S. has become defacto beneficiary of China-Australia trade war

  • Written by SHANNON

The China–Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) took effect on 20th December 2015. It is an historic agreement that has delivered enormous benefits to Australia. It’s not only enhancing Australian competitive position in the Chinese market, but also boosting economic growth and creating jobs.

China imports about 1/3 of all Australian exports. For example, Australia’s export of iron ore to China in 2019-2020 financial year amounted to $150billon, and in 2014-2019 about $300billion.

However, the current trade relationship is a stark contrast to the “historic” China-Australia Free Trade Agreement signed at the end of 2015.

As bilateral relations have deteriorated to their lowest level in decades, a trade war between Australia and China has ramped up.

China is imposing tariffs on Australian commodities such as wine and barley, and has restricted imports of Australian beef, coal and grapes. These actions are described as “economic coercion” by the United States.

But there is the other side of the coin. Although US Secretary of State Antony Blinken promised that “Washington would not leave Australia to face economic coercion from Beijing”, trade data shows the United States is prioritizing its own economic interests over its ally’s.

The newly released trade data and reports shows that US coal shipments to China, which gradually began their upward swing from nearly zero in October last year, climbed to 300,000 tonnes by February. In March, US exported more than 660,000 tonnes coal to China, doubling the amount in February. In April, China received one million tonnes of coal from the US.

According to Chinese authorities, the United States in May continued shipping 720,000 tonnes of coal to China, in order to support an upward trend and fill the gap left by Australian coal.

Almost at the same time, Australian coal exports to China have fallen to almost zero.

According to Bruce Haigh, former Australian diplomat and political commentator, “This is not the first time the US has prescribed a dud cheque. Joe Biden is unlikely to build bridges to Southeast Asia and China for the Australian side. If the Morrison government continues to blindly follow the US in 'dealing with' China, then the Australian side will taste the bitterness.”

The United State shows “solidarity” with Australia over the trade war, but Australia is paying the price for embracing it.

The Morrison administration continues to wait for support from across the ocean as they seem to be overlooking what the U.S. has actually done.

Image - View of piles of coal on a quay in rizhao,East China’s Shandong Province - Photo:cnsphoto

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

Tricia Paoluccio designer to the stars

The Case for Nuturing Creativity in the Classroom, and in our Lives I am an actress and an artist who has had the privilege of sharing my work across many countries, touring my ...

Duke of Dural to Get Rooftop Bar as New Owners Invest in Venue Upgrade

The Duke of Dural, in Sydney’s north-west, is set for a major uplift under new ownership, following its acquisition by hospitality group Good Beer Company this week. Led by resp...

Prefab’s Second Life: Why Australia’s Backyard Boom Needs a Circular Makeover

The humble granny flat is being reimagined not just as a fix for housing shortages, but as a cornerstone of circular, factory-built architecture. But are our systems ready to s...

Melbourne’s Burglary Boom: Break-Ins Surge Nearly 25%

Victorian homeowners are being warned to act now, as rising break-ins and falling arrest rates paint a worrying picture for suburban safety. Melbourne residents are facing an ...

Exploring the Curriculum at a Modern Junior School in Melbourne

Key Highlights The curriculum at junior schools emphasises whole-person development, catering to children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. It ensures early year...

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not alone. But many of us can’t look away – and don’t want to. Engaging with news can help us make ...