'There's no doubt this is the potential beginning of a trade war'

Sky News Political Editor Andrew Clennell says “I don’t think there’s any doubt this is the potential beginnings of a trade war” after Beijing imposed a suspension on Australian meat exporters.

The Morrison government was blindsided on Tuesday when China suspended exports from four Australian abattoirs - three in Queensland and one in New South Wales.

Despite Trade Minister Simon Birmingham playing down fears of an impending trade war, Mr Clennell said “the government certainly fears this could escalate”.

“The fear is that other industries could cop a hit or even the ambassador’s threat could be carried out in the sense that Chinese people could be put off Australian produce,” he said.

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