Trade mission to China set to unlock growing opportunities

A trade mission to China will coincide with the one-year anniversary of the removal of tariffs on South Australian wine.

The five-day trade mission will look to unlock the growing trade opportunities with China in the wake of all trade restrictions being lifted – with the final barrier on live lobster lifted in late December last year.

South Australia’s exports to China rose by 12 per cent to $4 billion in the year to February 2025.

During his visit to China, Minister for Trade and Investment, Joe Szakacs, will meet with key business leaders in the food and wine sectors, including major buyers, e-commerce platforms and distribution centres. He will also engage with high-ranking Chinese government officials and education institutions to further strengthen trade, investment, international students and cultural links.

South Australia’s seafood industry has continued to expand its presence in China following the removal of restrictions on Southern Rock Lobster.

In the year to February 2025, seafood exports to China grew by almost 500 per cent per cent to $63.3 million, led by $47.1 million of Southern Rock Lobsters exports just two full months since trade barriers were removed.

In the month of February, South Australia also exported 236 tonnes of beef, the highest record in 36 months and wine, the state’s third largest export to China, reached a new post-tariff record high of $790 million.

“Exports have been vitally important to Elderton over our 44 vintage journey and the recent Chinese market reopening has been more than symbolic,” said Cameron Ashmead, owner at Elderton Wines. “It represents a real opportunity and, even in these early stages, China is now again Elderton’s fourth biggest market and growing.

“This growth through the burgeoning Chinese Class has to be harnessed. We therefore very much welcome the Minister’s trade mission to China to continue to foster official ties and overall commercial prospects.

“The AFL Gather Round, since its inception in 2023, has been massively positive to the Barossa region. At Elderton we have measured the weeks before and after the actual weekend where the quality and quantity of visitors has been steadily increasing over that time – where visitor numbers increased 15 per cent and revenues increased 21 per cent over the two years.

“The two Barossa games this year will undoubtedly further visitation and region recognition.”

Learn more about South Australian Government support available to SA wineries.