The West Australian government was one of a number of states expressing their relief at China officially dropping the heavy tariffs it imposed on Australia’s wine industry in 2020.
West Australian premier Roger Cook said the state had been working with the industry and Wines of Western Australia through the Wine Industry Export Growth Partnership with the goal to increase competitiveness and the value of its wine exports.
Prior to the tariffs, China was the state’s largest export market (38 per cent), with more than 2.1 million litres exported in 2019-20 and valued at $18.3 million.
Cook said the partnership would help West Australian wine exporters re-establish relationships and sales channels into China. The government and industry both contributed $3 million to the program, to be used over four years.
“WA wines are world renowned, and I'm pleased that producers will now be able to re-engage with this important market. Since 2021, the state government has worked with closely with producers and exporters to support this valuable industry.”
“We will continue to work with them to re-establish key relationships and promote their products in China,” said Cook.
Regional development minister, Don Punch, said China was Western Australia’s largest agrifood and beverage export market, representing more than 18 per cent of the State’s total agrifood and beverage exports in 2022-23.
“This news will be a great boost to our valuable wine industry. WA wine exports to China were on the rise prior to the tariffs, more than doubling in value between 2010 and 2020,” Punch said.
“Full resumption of bilateral trade will be a significant benefit for both markets, and the WA government welcomes these positive steps given our close ties with the Chinese market.”
Calabria Family Wine Group: tariff removal a “significant development”
Third-generation Australian family-owned winemaker, Calabria Family Wine Group, also welcomed the news as a positive development.
Calabria Sales & Marketing director, Andrew Calabria, said the removal signified an important milestone that will reignite trade relations.
“As an Australian wine producer, we understand the immense challenges faced by our industry due to the imposed tariffs,” he said. “The past three years has shown the resilience and adaptability of our Australian winemakers, who have navigated the challenging market conditions.”
With the removal of tariff barriers, the group anticipates a renewed opportunity to showcase their portfolio of Australian terroirs, Riverina, and Barossa Valley regions, to the Chinese market.
“We would like to thank the Australian government and industry stakeholders for their efforts in achieving this welcomed outcome and look forward to once again delivering exceptional Australian wines to our valued customers and rebuilding trust in this significant market,” Calabria said.
