South Australia’s wine regions are among the best in the world and they’re worth millions in trade. Photo: Ross Helen.
Almost a year to the day since the Chinese removal of tariffs on South Australian wine, the Trade and Investment Minister Joe Szakacs has left for a trade mission to the People’s Republic.
The visit, scheduled for five days, is set to focus on better accessing growing opportunities between China and South Australia following the removal of all trade restrictions and tariffs, as the final barrier to live lobster shipping was lifted in December of last year.
The state’s wine and seafood industries have re-established their presence in the Chinese market, exporting more than $850 million worth of goods in the year to February 2025, with support from the State Labor Government’s trade programs.
With the recent uncertainty in the world of trade, tariffs and international relations, the South Australian Government has emphasised the value of its relationships, especially with major trade partners such as China. It cited ABS data showing that the state’s total export value to China rose by 12 per cent to $4 billion.
South Australia’s export value to China is set to grow even more with the signing of an agreement with China Eastern Airlines Cold Chain Logistics Ltd this week, worth $40 million.
Minister Szakacs will meet business leaders in the food and wine sectors, with an approach targeted at wooing major buyers, distribution centres and e-commerce platforms.
He will also speak with high-ranking Chinese officials and education institutions to further strengthen ties in trade, culture and investment. Such government-to-government talks will seek specifically to improve the long-term bilateral relationship with SA’s sister province, Shandong.
In the year to February 2025, seafood exports to China grew by almost 500 per cent to $63.3 million, led by $47.1 million of Southern Rock Lobster exports just two months after the removal of trade barriers.
The state’s third-largest export, wine, reached a staggering post-tariff record high of $790 million.
“It’s been 12 months since wine exports to China resumed,” Mr Szakacs said. ”Since then, the latest data shows that local wine producers’ exports have reached more than 80 per cent of the all-time highs in 2020.
“This hasn’t happened by chance – it’s come about because of a dedicated and ongoing effort to rebuild a strong trade relationship.
“While our Seafood Export Growth Program and China Wine Re-engagement Support Program have made incredible strides in reconnecting South Australian businesses with the China market, we cannot rest on those achievements.
“My focus is to ensure that our growers, producers and businesses can capitalise on every available opportunity with our largest trading partner.”
Meanwhile, the state’s new Barossa Park is the centre of a new tourism strategy aimed at bringing interstate and international visitors to SA’s renowned wine-making region.
