SA's wine pours back into China

South Australia’s wine is back on the menu in China following the removal of tariffs in March.

South Australia has recorded strong wine export figures since China’s removal of tariffs on bottle wine, with the latest ABS data to April 2024 showing $83.4 million worth of South Australian wine was exported to the country, up 1280 per cent on the year to March 2024 when wine exports were valued at just $4.4 million.

China is now South Australia’s sixth largest wine export market, up from 26th position and now sitting behind Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Singapore.

South Australia’s overall merchandise exports to April 2024 reached $17.9 billion, with the state’s top three export markets being China, valued at $3.9 billion, up 42 per cent year-on-year and the highest on record; the United States, which for the first time exceeded $2 billion, with merchandise exports valued at $2.1 billion, up 38 per cent; and Vietnam, valued at $606 million, up 44 per cent.

This comes as South Australia, for the fourth month in a row, is the only state to experience export growth.

“We are looking forward to gaining broader availability in the Chinese market following the lifting of tariffs,” said Mr Keith Hentschke, Founder of Hentley Farm in the Barossa. “China is a significant market for us, and, at its peak, we were exporting 20 per cent of our wines to China at really good price points.

“Our ongoing success in the market will require lots of travel to China, attendance at exhibitions and simply spending time in-market.

“We’re enthused by the latest wine export figures and are optimistic that South Australia’s wine exports will return to China and once again, will be valued at hundreds of millions of dollars.”

Following China’s removal of tariffs on bottled wine, the South Australian Government announced a $1.85 million Wine Exporter China Re-Engagement Support Package – giving the state’s wine businesses the support and advice they need to confidently re-enter the large and dynamic market of China.

For more information about the Wine Exporter China Re-Engagement Support Package visit www.export.sa.gov.au/wine-china