Australian winemakers toast loyal Chinese consumers
Since tariffs lifted, strong demand has helped industry deal with global market shifts
Chinese consumers' importance to Australia's winemakers has been uncorked since tariffs were lifted, at a time when its industry faces major challenges of oversupply and overfamiliarity in the global market.
In the 12 months to December, Australian wine exports grew by 34 percent in value to A$2.55 billion ($1.59 billion) and by 7 percent in volume to 649 million liters, according to the government statutory authority, Wine Australia.
The increase was fueled by high levels of shipments to the Chinese mainland between April and December 2024, after tariffs on Australian bottled wine were removed at the end of March 2024.
In the 12 months to December, 84 million liters of wine, worth A$907 million, were exported to the Chinese market, the latest figures from Wine Australia showed.
Chinese mainland consumption "continues to be a very important market for Australian wine, having now regained its position as the No 1 destination market for Australian wine exports", a Wine Australia spokesperson told China Daily.
The value of Australian wine exported to China now exceeds the United Kingdom (A$352 million), United States (A$325 million) and Canada (A$156 million) combined, the spokesperson said. The exports to the Chinese mainland for the 12 months to December reflect the premium perception of Australian wines in the Chinese market, the spokesperson said.
"Australian wine is well regarded in China for its consistent high quality at great value. The diversity and range of wines available from Australia, including fruit-forward styles from well-known varieties as well as more complex and refined styles, have helped to attract Chinese consumers, and establish a positive reputation for Australian wines," the spokesperson said.
