US exports to China grow at ‘expense’ of Australia after Beijing’s trade ban
- Following Beijing’s ban on a range of Australian products, the US has been steadily ‘backfilling’ the void left by its ally
- Political observers say the US will prioritise its own economic needs ahead of its allies, including Australia, despite close ties
US exports to China of wine, cotton, log timber and wood have increased over the past year amid a block by Beijing on the same products from Australia, trade data shows.
Exports of American coal have also risen since February after Australian shipments of the raw material were banned in October last year.
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“I doubt there is much substance to such comments beyond its signalling value, because when it comes to trade, Australia and the US do not always share the same interests,” said Chengxin Pan, an associate professor of international relations at Deakin University.
“In fact, as the case of China’s banning Australian coal indicates, Australia’s loss has turned out to be the US’ gain because the latter has been able to increase its coal exports to China at the expense of Australia.”
Former Australian ambassador to China Geoff Raby said the comments amounted to the “usual empty reassurances made to allies to keep their resolve” and proof of Washington’s support will come when the “US refuses to backfill into the Chinese market where Australian trade has been blocked”.
US monthly exports of wine, cotton, log timber and wood have been climbing since February last year, before the coronavirus pandemic broke out globally. But American coal exports, while only a small fraction of Australia’s pre-ban exports to China, have accelerated quickly in 2021, doubling in March over February.