Australian wine exports rebounded strongly in 2024, increasing by 34% in value to AUD 2.55 billion and 7% in volume to 649 million litres, according to Wine Australia’s Export Report.  This growth was almost entirely driven by the removal of tariffs on Australian bottled wine in Mainland China at the end of March 2024.

Between April and December 2024, Australian wine shipments to Mainland China soared to 83 million litres, worth AUD 902 million.  The average value of exports to China reached AUD 10.79 per litre, helping to drive a record high for total packaged wine exports, which now average AUD 9.35 per litre.

However, despite this recovery, Chinese wine consumption remains well below pre-tariff levels, and the long-term sustainability of exports to the region is still unclear.

Peter Bailey, manager, market insights at Wine Australia, said: “While there has been month-to-month volatility in the value of shipments to mainland China in the period since tariffs were removed, the performance is nonetheless very positive.”

“However, Chinese wine consumption is much lower than it was before the import tariffs were imposed, so it will take more time before it becomes clear what the ‘new normal’ level of exports to mainland China will be, after this initial re-stocking period.”

“Continued growth is not assured, and it is still important to focus on market diversification in a challenging global business environment.”

Outside of mainland China, Australian wine exports faced challenges, with overall value declining by 13% to $1.64 billion and volume down 7% to 565 million litres.