South Australia is positioning itself to capitalise on continued opportunities with China through a trade delegation this month, with a key focus on wine and agriculture.
South Australian Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven will lead the delegation from 10 to 18 March and will be joined by senior representatives from the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) and a delegation of wine and other agribusiness representatives.
The delegation will attend the Taste of South Australia Showcase and Wine Masterclass in Guangzhou, where South Australian products will be featured to key importers and buyers.
As South Australia’s largest two-way trading partner, China remains an important market for our wine exporters who continue efforts to diversify market representation.
In October 2020, at its peak and one month prior to the start of tariffs, China was South Australia’s largest wine export market, with exports valued at $946.5 million, accounting for 47.2 per cent of South Australia’s wine exports globally.
While in Guangzhou, the delegation will meet with leading grain importers to build the reputation of South Australia as a leader in quality barley production.
The visit will also build the relationship with Guangdong Department of Agriculture and Rural Area and explore the opportunity for collaboration between Guangdong and South Australia in areas such as research, trade, and business opportunities.
The delegation will also attend the China Food and Drinks hotel show in Chengdu where there will be a Tasting SA event to further promote South Australian wines.
Opportunities for technical cooperation between the Shandong Academy of Sciences and PIRSA is also on the agenda with shared interests in wine, marine biosciences, crops, soils, and horticulture.
South Australia has strong historical ties that unite the state and the Shandong province.
The 37-year relationship is South Australia’s most active and longest standing Sister-State partnership.
The South Australian Government’s renewed focus on China comes in the wake of Premier Peter Malinauskas’ trip in September 2023, where he met with Chinese government officials and businesses in Beijing to discuss strengthening China’s education and business ties with South Australia.
The Australian Government is also focused on stabilising our relationship with China, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese having met with President Xi Jinping in Beijing last year.
This builds on the work of Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Federal Trade Minister Don Farrell who have continued to advocate for Australian producers on recent trips to China.
Quotes
Attributable to Clare Scriven
The wine industry world-wide is currently impacted by an oversupply of red wine grapes.
With cautious optimism that the tariffs on wine may be eased and the continued importance of China as an export market for South Australian wine and other agribusiness, it is critical we support the sector for a risk-managed reengagement with China.
I am looking forward to this trip where we can put South Australian wine and other products front and centre for Chinese importers and other businesses.
We will also be discussing collaboration with the Shandong Academy of Sciences, a potential Friendship City relationship with Chengdu, and meet with grain importers to build South Australia’s reputation as a prominent exporter of barley.
