Highlights
- Australian wine exports to China surpass $1 billion after tariffs lifted.
- Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) leads revival in Chinese wine market.
- US wine market remains challenging with continued export declines.
Australian wine exports have made a strong comeback, with shipments to China soaring above $1 billion for the year ended March 31, 2025. This marks a significant turnaround following the removal of heavy tariffs by Beijing that had stifled the once-thriving trade for over three years.
According to recent data released by Wine Australia, exports to China surged by $1.01 billion, reaching $1.03 billion within the 12-month period. This resurgence was fuelled by major players such as Treasury Wine Estates (ASX:TWE), owner of the iconic Penfolds brand, resuming their exports and reestablishing their presence in one of Australia's most lucrative international markets.
The revival of the Chinese market has provided a much-needed boost to Australia's overall wine export figures, which climbed 41% to $2.64 billion over the same period. This growth signals renewed optimism for the Australian wine sector, which had struggled with significant revenue losses during the years of tariffs and market restrictions.
Despite the positive developments in China, challenges persist in the United States market. Exports to the US fell 9% to $323 million over the past year, even before the anticipated impacts of the newly imposed 10% global baseline tariff introduced during Donald Trump’s presidency begin to take full effect. The US had traditionally been a key destination for Australian wines, but growing trade barriers and competitive pressures have made it increasingly difficult for Australian producers to maintain market share.
Peter Bailey, Market Insights Manager at Wine Australia, emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the US market outlook. He noted that evolving trade policies and unpredictable consumer trends make it difficult to forecast the long-term effects on Australian wine exports.
While the road ahead in the US remains complex, the revival of trade with China offers a promising pathway for Australian winemakers to regain momentum. With major companies like Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) leading the charge, and overall industry exports experiencing a healthy rebound, the sector appears poised for a robust recovery in 2025.