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South Australia’s exports to China have hit a record high of $4.47 billion in the 12 months to the end of November, accounting for more than a quarter of exports totalling $17.6 billion during the period.
According to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, overall exports to China increased by 40 per cent with iron ore and copper remaining the state’s most valuable exports to the market, with a value of $998.9 million and $978.1 million respectively.
However, the wine industry also has started regaining lost ground following the lifting of punishing tariffs during the year.
Local wineries sold 11.8 million litres of wine, valued at more than $93 million, to China in November alone.
Nationally, Australian wine exports were buoyed by the lifting of tariffs that were introduced by China in 2020, increasing 34 per cent by value to $2.39 billion in the 12 months to the end of September last year.
South Australian seafood exports to China also increased sharply during the year, up 50 per cent to $15.5 million in the year to November 2024.
This was driven by increased demand for South Australian tuna, which was up 708 per cent to $8.4 million.
“The sustained growth in wine exports to China, eight months after trade tariffs were lifted, is a tremendous result for local producers and the South Australian economy,” says Joe Szakacs, South Australia’s Minister for Trade and Investment.
“With trade restrictions on live lobster being lifted in December last year, there are no longer any trade impediments with our largest two-way trading partner China – and our state is well placed to capitalise on these opportunities.
“It’s terrific timing to have South Australia’s world-class wine and pristine live lobster back on the table as Chinese consumers prepare for Chinese New Year celebrations.”
While China accounts for the lion’s share of export trade from South Australia, the US, with $2.1 billion in exports, and India, with exports of $1 billion, remained South Australia’s other top trading partners.
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