The article highlights a potential threat to Australia's hay export trade worth 160 million Australian dollars to China, with concerns over the non-renewal of export licenses by China. The expiration of these licenses has already slowed down the hay trade between the two countries, leading to anxiety within the Australian hay industry. Despite the situation being viewed as an administrative issue, there are fears of a complete trade freeze, which could result in significant losses for Australian farmers and suppliers. Australian exporters are currently facing challenges as only a few companies still have valid licenses to export to China, and there is speculation that the new COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in China's hay industry might be contributing to the license renewal delays.