Australian wine exports surged 41% year-on-year to 2.64 billion Australian dollars (US$1.73 billion) in the 12 months ending March 2025, as exports to mainland China rebounded sharply following the removal of punitive tariffs, according to new data released by Wine Australia.
Mainland China accounted for 39% of total export value, underscoring the country’s renewed importance as Australia’s top wine market, despite efforts in recent years to diversify exports. This reaffirms China’s importance to Australia but at the same time sounded alarm that the renewed reliance may expose Australia’s wine sector to similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Total export volume during the period rose 6% to 647 million litres, while the average export price increased 33% to AUD 4.09 per litre, marking the highest price level in nearly 20 years.
The recovery was largely driven by China, which scrapped its anti-dumping tariffs on Australian wine in March 2024. Since then, exports have rebounded quickly, propelling the mainland back to the top spot among Australian wine markets.
Outside mainland China, it was a different picture. “Stubbornly high global stock levels coupled with increasing economic uncertainty continues to negatively impact trade and consumer sentiment and is evident with continued softening of exports to other established and emerging markets around the world,” says Wine Australia’s General Manager, Marketing, Paul Turale.
By value, the top five export destinations were:
- Mainland China: up AUD 1.01 billion to AUD 1.03 billion
- United Kingdom: down AUD 12 million to AUD 353 million
- United States: down AUD 32 million to AUD 323 million
- Hong Kong: down AUD 136 million to AUD 154 million
- Canada: up AUD 3.8 million to AUD 151 million
Wine exports to mainland China were priced at an average of AUD 23 per litre, significantly higher than to other destinations. China accounted for 39% of total export value and 15% of volume, ranking third in volume after the U.K. and the U.S.
Outlook Uncertain Despite Momentum
Australian wine has built a solid consumer base in China over the years. While French wines once served as an entry point for many Chinese consumers, Australian wines gained market share through consistent branding and a recognizable style. Australia was China’s largest source of imported wine in both 2019 and 2020.
Exports to mainland China and Hong Kong have now recovered to 82% of their 2019 levels, based on the latest 12-month data. The rebound reflects a strong market response, although analysts caution that much of the current growth is “restorative,” and the sustainability of the rebound remains to be seen.
Export Slump Outside of China
Outside of China, Australian wine exports performed poorly. Total export value to non-China markets declined 13% to AUD 1.62 billion, and volume dropped 9% to 551 million litres — the lowest volume in more than a decade and the weakest value in over 20 years for exports beyond China.
In Asia, key markets including Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and Malaysia all saw simultaneous declines in both volume and value:
- Hong Kong: 8.3 million litres, down 14%; AUD 153.7 million, down 47%
- Singapore: 5.9 million litres, down 15%; AUD 104.6 million, down 12%
- Japan: 10.8 million litres, down 12%; AUD 44.8 million, down 6%
- Malaysia: 2.6 million litres, down 6%; AUD 36.7 million, down 22%
Meanwhile, South Korea and Thailand recorded increases in export volume, but average prices fell, suggesting the growth was led by mid- to lower-tier products. Other smaller markets, including Taiwan, the Philippines, Cambodia and Sri Lanka, posted growth in both volume and value. However, these markets remain relatively small in scale, with most exports valued in the low million-dollar range:
- South Korea: 3.8 million litres, up 9%; AUD 27.6 million, flat
- Thailand: 7.7 million litres, up 12%; AUD 47.7 million, down 14%
- Taiwan: 2.7 million litres, up 6%; AUD 27 million, up 14%
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