The Winemakers’ Federation of Australia (WFA) welcomed the announcement from the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Steven Ciobo, that Australia would progress to the next step in its World Trade Organisation (WTO) dispute settlement action against Canada’s measures affecting Australian wine.

WFA chief executive Tony Battaglene said the Australian government have invested in industry priorities.

“The request to establish a panel is a vital step to ensuring meaningful outcomes are achieved and highlights this and the value of the WTO system in resolving trade disputes.

“Canada is an extremely important market for Australian wine, our fourth largest by volume and value ($187 million). We need to ensure a level trading environment to allow competition for all wine producers,” he said.

Battaglene also said the Australian wine industry is not opposed to helping Canadian wine producers as they bring diversity to the global wine sector.

“However, such help should not discriminate against sales of imported Australian wine. The Canadian consumer deserves a better deal than that,” he said.

As a whole, the WFA said it is open to resolving issues with Canada through further negotiation, and will continue to ensure Australian wine producers’ rights to trade fairly are maintained.

This is the time first since 2003 where Australia has initiated formal WTO action.

WFA will continue to work with the Australian government to oversee this action and ensure outcomes are progressed for Australian wine business.