AUSTRALIAN WINEMAKERS TOAST LOYAL CHINESE CONSUMERS

Since tariffs lifted, strong demand has helped industry deal with global market shifts

Chinese consumers' and Alexis Hooi in Sydney 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.