Australia says industry reports on China trade "deeply troubling"

Wines from Australia are seen at the Food and Agricultural Products exhibition at the third China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai on Nov 5, 2020. - AFP

SYDNEY (Reuters): Australia says it is closely monitoring trade flows to China amid "deeply troubling" reports from industry that Chinese buyers have been told not to purchase seven categories of Australian produce from Friday (Nov 6).

Australian and Chinese media have reported that Chinese importers had been informally warned by Chinese customs officials that Australian wine, copper, barley, coal, Sugar, timber and lobster will be targeted for increased inspections from Nov. 6.