Half a billion dollars’ worth of South Australian wine has been exported to China in just seven months following the removal of import tariffs in April according to latest ABS figures.

South Australian exporters sold $558 million of wine to China in the 12 months to October, with more than 99 per cent of those sales occurring in the seven months since Chinese tariffs were lifted.

Matthew Deller, CEO at Wirra Wirra, said that the removal of tariffs on Australian wine to China added “a valuable additional market” to the winery’s export diversification strategy.

“For Wirra Wirra, it’s an opportunity to re-establish relationships and introduce McLaren Vale’s premium wines to a dynamic and growing audience,” said Deller.

“Chinese consumers are increasingly drawn to authenticity, quality, and sustainability—qualities at the heart of South Australian wine.

“The collaboration between industry and government has been instrumental in ensuring we can seize this opportunity and continue building sustainable growth across global markets.”

Wine exports from the state to all markets exceeded $1.7 billion in the year to October, up 38% on the previous year. South Australian sales contributed two-thirds of the $2.5 billion exported by Australian producers.

This includes a more than 30% growth of the state’s second-largest wine export market, Hong Kong, now valued at $237 million.

Trade and Investment Minister for South Australia, Joe Szakacs, led trade missions to China and Hong Kong since May, to impress upon Chinese officials and importers the premium quality of South Australian wine, and the state government’s commitment to renewing economic ties with its ‘number one’ trading partner.

“From a total cessation of wine exports to China, as a result of effort and dedication from wine producers and government alike, the return has been very pleasing,” said Szakacs.

China’s tariffs have now been removed on all South Australian exports, with exports of live Southern Rock Lobster from Australia expected to resume later this month.

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