As many were packing up to enjoy the Easter weekend, it was announced that China had dropped its tariff on Australian wine, causing a sigh of relief for many in the wine industry.
The South Australian Business Chamber represents a significant number of South Australia’s wineries and provides export document stamping for thousands of businesses across the state.
Andrew Kay, CEO of The Chamber who spent more than 20 years in the wine said in a statement that this news will certainly boost the spirits of a sector that is going through tough times, just as they wearily harvest the last grapes of vintage 2024.
“While no one can guarantee how the Chinese market will respond, it is unlikely we will return to the halcyon days, at least in the short term”, said Mr Kay.
“It is important we learn from history and for South Australian wineries to view this news and their response from a strategic, rather than opportunistic perspective,” he cautioned.
Premier Peter Malinauskas took immediately to X (formerly Twitter) and said “The decision of the Chinese Government to lift tariffs is a significant one for thousands of South Australians whose lives and livelihoods have been significantly hurt in recent years”.
“This an exciting day for South Australia and in particular the communities in our world-famous wine-producing regions”, the Premier continued.
In March 2021 China imposed tariffs of up to 218% on Australian Wine, a move that made a significant impact on the wine community.
Following the announcement, the Premier was quick to reveal a $1.85 million support package for SA wine exporters and grape growers.
The package, to be rolled out over the next two years to June 2026 will provide South Australia’s wine sector with in-market insights and capability building to effectively re-engage with the China market in a risk-managed manner.
“This support package will help prepare our wine markets to re-enter the China market, with opportunities to renew partnerships with the Chinese industry and gain insights into China’s wine market and consumer trends”, said the Premier.
The South Australian Business Chamber will keep the wine industry informed as more information comes to hand.
