China lifts tariffs on Australian wine
Australian winemakers are breathing a sigh of relief after China dropped tariffs on Australian wine.
The move by China reopens a $1.1 billion market.
Tariffs have been in place since 2020. They will lift on April 2, 2024.
"Since 2020, China's duties on Australian wine effectively made it unviable for Australian producers to export bottled wine to that market," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
"We acknowledge and thank Australian grape growers and wine producers for their fortitude and support during a challenging period.
The move comes as the Albanese government continues to repair relations with China.
There will no doubt continue to be hurdles, however, the outlook is positive.
"We will continue to press for all remaining trade impediments affecting Australian exports to be removed, which is in the interests of both Australia and China."
Australian Grape and Wine chief executive Lee McLean was buoyed by the news..
"We know that it's been a really difficult time over a couple of years and this is absolutely positive news for grape growers and winemakers across the country.
"We know that it's not going to solve every issue that we have in the market at the moment but it is something that we're going to be working towards with grape growers and winemakers over the year ahead to make sure that we're re-entering the market in a sustainable and the correct fashion.
"For right now let's celebrate what we've just achieved with China."
Jonathan Jackson, 1st April 2024
