In conversation with Shadow Trade Minister Kevin Hogan on Australia-China trade
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Over recent years, political differences between Canberra and Beijing have become more pronounced. Yet data suggests that economic exchanges between Australia and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) have, on the whole, remained resilient. In 2023, the value of Australia’s exports to the PRC, the bilateral trade surplus and total two-way trade all hit new record highs.
Nonetheless, the historical wall sheltering the bilateral economic relationship from tensions in the political relationship has become more permeable, made most clear when Beijing engaged in the disruption of Australian exports worth around $20 billion starting in 2020. Three years later, while most impediments have now been removed, those on lobster and some meat exports remain. This experience has spurred efforts toward a reshaping of Australian trade policy where initiatives such as ‘friend-shoring’ and the forging of ‘economic alliances’ take centre-stage. Some voices insist that the Australian economy retains a dangerous dependence on China and urge Canberra to lead a broader decoupling agenda.
The Australia-China Relations Institute at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS:ACRI) welcomed the Shadow Minister for Trade and Tourism, the Hon Kevin Hogan MP, to discuss the future of the Australia-PRC economic relationship and of free and open trade and investment more broadly, as well as the role of multilateral, rules-based institutions such as the World Trade Organization and regional trade agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
Mr Hogan delivered an address before being joining UTS:ACRI Director Professor James Laurenceson in conversation. The discussion was followed by audience Q&A.
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Speaker
The Hon Kevin Hogan MP
The Hon Kevin Hogan MP is the Shadow Minister for Trade and Tourism.
He has previously served as the Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister and the Assistant Minister for Local Government.
Moderator
Professor James Laurenceson
Professor James Laurenceson is Director of the Australia-China Relations Institute at the University of Technology Sydney. His research interests relate to the Chinese economy and the Australia-China economic and broader relationship.
