China halts barley imports from Australian grain giant in fresh blow to farmers

China has announced it had suspended barley imports from Australia's biggest grain exporter, a move that threatens to inflame already strained relations between Canberra and Beijing.

China's General Administration of Customs said barley shipments from CBH Grain would be halted after pests were found on multiple occasions, Reuters reports.

The administration announced the move on its official WeChat account.

CBH denied the charge and said it would work with the Federal Government to overturn the ruling.

"CBH has not found any evidence to support the claims," a spokesman for CBH told Reuters.

"CBH confirms that all grain shipments to China have met all government phytosanitary export requirements and is therefore very disappointed to hear of the suspension."

The ruling is the latest blow felt Australian exporters to China.

In May, Chinese authorities imposed anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties totalling 80.5 per cent on Australian barley - effectively halting a billion-dollar trade.

Then last month China said it would investigate whether Australian wine was being dumped into its largest market, a review that has since been expanded to include possible subsidies. Australia denies both allegations.

Trade relations worsened when Prime Minister Scott Morrison called for an independent inquiry into the origins of COVID-19.