Australia's exports to China hit record highs as barriers ease

Australia's exports to China surged to record highs in March as the Asian giant sucked in more iron for its steel industry and lowered barriers to thermal coal shipments amid thawing diplomatic relations.

Data out on Thursday showed exports of Australian goods to China hit A$19-billion ($12.71-billion) in March, a rise of 31% from a year earlier and pipping the previous peak from mid-2021.