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Government of South Australia - Department of State Development

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    10th Oct 2024
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    Trade and Investment

    SA selling more to China than ever before

    As the Socceroos prepare to face China in a FIFA World Cup qualifier at Adelaide Oval tonight, exports from South Australia to its largest trading partner are continuing to grow, reaching an all-time high in the year to August 2024.

    New ABS data shows the value of South Australia’s exports to China rose 46 per cent over the past 12 months to a record $4.27 billion.

    Overall, South Australia’s exports are worth $17.6 billion – the 19th consecutive month that SA’s exports have exceeded the $17 billion mark.

    The growth in exports to China to record numbers coincides with the stabilisation of Australia’s relationship with China, following the significant and sustained efforts of the South Australian Government to reengage with our largest trading partner.

    This includes the senior and significant missions led by the South Australian Government into market.

    South Australia has also seen significant inbound engagement by China, including the historic visit of Premier Li Qiang, as well as our hosting the Australia-China High Level Dialogue.

    Over the past 12 months, more than $660 million worth of local barley has been sold to China, while $395 million of wine has been exported in the five months since trade restrictions were removed.

    In March, the South Australian Government announced a $1.85 million reengagement package to support South Aussie wine exporters get back into the Chinese market.

    The package assisted more than 30 local wineries to attend and have a presence at Hong Kong’s VinExpo in May.

    With the South Australian Government visiting both Hong Kong and mainland China in the months since tariffs were lifted, major events like this evening’s FIFA World Cup qualifier provide yet another opportunity for the state to further engage with Chinese government and business leaders.

    Additional opportunities for South Australian exporters will also be created when China Southern Airlines will resume direct flights in and out of Adelaide from December.

    With a capacity of 15 tonnes of air freight per plane, the flights will allow the state’s world-class high-value perishable produce, such as seafood, dairy, and fruit to be sold into key markets including Guangzhou and the Greater Bay Area.

    South Australia’s top three export markets are China mainland at $4.27 billion, the United States at $2.13 billion, and India at $1.09 billion.

    Other major export markets in growth included Vietnam ($629 million, +29 per cent), the United Kingdom ($407 million, +13 per cent), and Hong Kong ($362 million, +27 per cent).

    Learn more about the Wine Exporters China Re-Engagement Support Program

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