China Lifts Trade Restrictions on Australian Timber

China will allow exports of timber from Australia to enter the country after over two years of restrictions, said Xiao Qian, China's ambassador to Australia, according to a May 17 Reuters report. China halted trade in timber in 2020 after China said it found pests in some shipments (see 2011120007), but Xiao said these concerns were remedied following a study of materials provided by exporters. The lifting of the restrictions follows Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell's visit to Beijing last week.