CANBERRA, July 11, 2025 – Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today hailed the revival of wine trade with China, spotlighting a significant boost to the nation’s economy during a visit to Château Tanunda, a historic winery in South Australia’s Barossa Valley. The event, marked by a ceremonial unveiling of wine bottles, underscores a turning point in bilateral relations following years of trade tensions.
The trade resumption, which began in March 2024 after China lifted punitive tariffs, has seen Australian wine exports soar by 41%, reaching $2.64 billion in the 12 months ending March 2025, according to Wine Australia data. This resurgence follows a challenging period, including a 2021 World Trade Organization complaint lodged by Australia against China’s imposition of 218% tariffs on its wine, which had crippled the industry. The lifting of these barriers has revitalized producers like Château Tanunda, established in 1890 and a cornerstone of Australia’s wine heritage, bringing jobs and confidence back to regional communities.
“This is a win for Australian workers and our wine industry,” Albanese said, standing alongside a Château Tanunda representative. “Barley, beef, and live rock lobster trade is booming, and now wine is flowing again, strengthening our economic ties with China.” The Prime Minister highlighted the broader impact, noting that bilateral trade between the two nations hit a record $274 billion in 2023-24, with China accounting for 26% of Australia’s goods and services trade, per the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The trade revival comes amid ongoing discussions about China’s application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a move tentatively supported by Australia in 2023. This potential membership could further deepen economic integration, building on the momentum of the current trade recovery.
The event at Château Tanunda, which featured the iconic winery’s first vines planted in 1843, symbolizes resilience and renewal for Australia’s wine sector. However, the occasion also drew mixed reactions online, with some praising the economic benefits while others raised concerns about reliance on Chinese markets amid geopolitical uncertainties. As of 10:12 AM +08 today, social media buzz reflects both optimism and caution as Australia navigates this renewed partnership.