KESG - Assessing The Economic Impact Of Escalating Australia-China Trade Frictions

• China-Australia trade tensions have escalated significantly during 2020, and IHS Markit's PMI data show Australia's exports slumping.
• With Australia exporting around one-third of its total exports to mainland China, there is a high degree of vulnerability to disruptions in bilateral trade.
• Recent developments have resulted in mounting concerns about the economic implications to the Australian economy from a protracted disruption of Australian exports to China.
• Latest data from IHS Markit Commodities at Sea highlights the significant impact of bilateral trade frictions on Australian coal exports, with 76 bulk carriers loaded with Australian coal waiting at anchorage at the various Chinese ports.
• China's General Administration of Customs has also halted barley shipments from Australia since September 2020, while exports to China of a number of other products have also been impacted.

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