Australian Wine Exports to China

Sen Matthew Canavan asked for clarification on whether the $600,000,000 impact is an increase, with the discussion led by Matt Lowe, Deputy Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and Sean Macintyre, Director, Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry, providing information about the latest figures on wine exports to China. The latest figures show that exports to China have increased to $900,000,000 since trade resumed in March, with Sean Macintyre noting that although this is in line with pre-sanction levels, it is unclear whether this indicates sustained demand or is just refilling the pipeline. The discussion also involved Sen Glenn Sterle, who sought clarification on whether the current export value is equivalent to the pre-sanction level of $1,000,000,000, with Matt Lowe suggesting that in broad dollar terms, the current level is roughly similar, but the volume and sustainability of demand are still uncertain.