Latest stats show more than $340 million of South Australian wine has made its way into China in the three months since trade restrictions lifted, with the Malinauskas Government doubling down on its commitment to supporting the local industry to reengage with buyers from the state’s largest trading partner.

Those redoubled efforts will see Trade Minister Joe Szakacs lead a delegation to China later this month, with high level business and government meetings aimed at furthering the cause of SA’s wine, seafood, agribusiness and technology exporters.

Minister Szakacs will also be engaging directly in support of continuing investment into South Australia’s world-renowned green technology and renewable industry.

Following the lifting of tariffs, the Malinauskas Government announced a $1.85 million reengagement package, which in part supported more than 30 local exporters to visit the global industry’s largest Asia-Pacific tradeshow in Hong Kong this May.

Across all international markets, South Australian exporters sold $1.56 billion worth of wine in the 12 months to June, up nearly 20 per cent compared to the previous financial year.

China ($343.8 million) has reestablished itself as South Australia’s top wine export market, with Hong Kong ($251.2 million) and the United Kingdom ($230.5 million) rounding out the top three.

South Australian wine exports grew by 19 per cent and accounted for two-thirds of the value of the country’s total wine exports over the last year – $1.6 billion out of $2.3 billion.

Local merchandise exports to China reached new heights in the year to June, up to $4.23 billion (up 55 per cent).

Minister Szakacs will travel to Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong, departing on 17 August.

Quotes

Attributable to Joe Szakacs

South Australia’s wine exports continue to experience rapid growth, particularly to our largest two-way trading partner, China, and it is pleasing to see our state’s wine exports are contributing 67 per cent of the total value of Australia’s wine exports.

I will travel to China and Hong Kong later this month where I will hold discussions with Chinese government, industry and business partners to emphasise South Australia commitment to productive two-way trade, investment and people-to-people links.