South Australian wine producers are experiencing a boom with exports to China surpassing previous records in the year to November 2024, according to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures.
South Australian winemakers sold 11.8 million litres of wine, valued at over $93 million, to China in November 2024 alone.
The boom comes after China dropped import tariffs in April last year. China had established the interim anti-dumping and countervailing duties in November 2020 with import duties of up to 218 per cent, drastically reducing the number of Australian wine imports in the region.
According to the South Australian Wine Industry Association, South Australia accounts for 64 per cent of Australia’s total wine exports. China is the state’s largest export market, alongside the USA, the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Canada.
South Australian premier Peter Malinauskas launched its $1.85 million wine exporter China reengagement package in March 2024 with the goal of supporting sustained growth to the market through introductions to importers, trade show support, and assistance from local and international trade experts.
“The sustained growth in wine exports to China, eight months after trade tariffs were lifted, is a tremendous result for local producers and the South Australian economy,” says South Australian Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Joe Szakacs.
South Australia hosts some of the country’s most prestigious wineries, significantly being home to eight of Australia’s 13 oldest continuously operating wine companies. The state’s wine industry is valued at $2.5 billion.
Exports of South Australian seafood have also increased by 50 per cent in the year to November 2024. In particular, demand for South Australia grew 708 per cent.
“With trade restrictions on live lobster being lifted in December last year, there are no longer any trade impediments with our largest two-way trading partner China – and our state is well placed to capitalise on these opportunities,” says Szakacs. He noted the positive timing, with Lunar New Year celebrations approaching.
Laura Box
