Australian grape and wine community to benefit from China–Australia Free Trade Agreement

Australia’s three national grape and wine community organisations today welcomed the news that the implementing legislation for the landmark China–Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) will pass through the Australian Parliament.

Mr Brian Walsh, Chair of Wine Australia, Mr Vic Patrick, Chair of Wine Grape Growers Australia, and Mr Tony D’Aloisio AM, President of the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia, said that the Australian grape and wine community would be significant beneficiaries of ChAFTA. 

‘Under ChAFTA, the current import tariff of 14 per cent for Australian bottled wine and 20 per cent for bulk wine will be phased out over four years, providing a significant boost for Australian wine companies exporting to China’, Mr D’Aloisio said.

‘We welcome today’s news that ChAFTA has bipartisan support as the agreement should underpin increased Australian wine exports to China, which will in turn improve returns for grapegrowers and winemakers’, said Mr Patrick. 

‘Wine Australia’s latest Export Report shows just how important the Chinese wine market already is for Australian producers and ChAFTA will give us the opportunity to be more competitive’, Mr Walsh said. 

In the 12 months to October, sales to China rose 47 per cent in value to a record $313 million, driven by demand for wines in the higher price points. Exports to China above A$10/litre FOB are now worth A$116 million.