China’s wine import is falling. The Chinese drink less, in part because of the limited social life that has continued into this year. January to September this year (2021) saw a decrease in wine imports of 560 million USD compared to the same period in 2020.
The imported volume decreased by 17.7 million litres and ended up at 329.4 million litres. This is all the more remarkable given that international trade was very restricted in 2020, more so than in 2021.
The reduction has mainly affected Australian wines. Because of the punitive tariffs imposed by the Chinese on these wines in March 2021, Australia’s wine exports to China fell by 99% in an instant. Customs statistics show increased imports from the four biggest suppliers, France, Spain, Italy and Chile, but not enough to compensate for the Australian losses.
Read more: Vino-Joy.
