South Australia’s (SA) wine sector has overcome the high tariffs imposed on Australian products by China with an increase in export sales.
The state’s wine exports rose five per cent in the 12 months to the end of October 2022 to $1.3 billion (US$907 million).
The improvement came on the back of improved sales to the United States, Canada, Malaysia and Thailand.
Trade Minister Nick Champion said it was also encouraging that the state’s total exports to China had stabilised to be worth $2.2 billion (US$1.5 billion) last year.
SA’s total exports hit $15.9 billion (US$11.1 billion) in 2022, largely driven by demand for refined metals, wine and meat.
There was strong demand for SA canola in Europe with sales to France jumping by 595 percent and to Belgium by 182 percent as both countries looked for alternative supplies after previously relying on crops from war-torn Ukraine and drought-affected Canada.
SA’s wheat exports also rose by 60 percent to $2.2 billion, fuelled by new markets in Sudan and South Korea as well as increases to several existing markets including China. Local producers benefitted from a 39 percent surge in wheat prices to $486 (US$339) per tonne.
“It’s clear demand for our world-class exports continues to grow and South Australian businesses and producers are taking advantage,” Champion said. “We want to keep building trade ties with our biggest export partner while tapping into new and emerging markets. ”Opening up these partnerships will ensure a big year for local industries and help create jobs.”
