Hunter winemakers welcome strong NSW Government support

It follows the lifting of tariffs earlier this month.  

Cessnock MP Clayton Barr is urging local wine producers and exporters to take advantage of the NSW Going Global Export Program, which takes place until the end of May, and another initiative - the Roadshow reintroducing the NSW wine industry to Chinese importers and distributors - planned for June.

They are part of a suite of proposals to help the industry return to the Chinese market following tariffs on Australian bottled wine products being removed.

"Chinese consumers are big supporters of Hunter wines," Mr Barr said.

"So, the lifting of these tariffs will ensure the local industry continues to grow. 

"I would strongly recommend producers to contact Investment NSW to participate."

To capitalise on the tariff removal, the NSW Government is planning further events, initiatives and in-market activations in partnership with the industry, including a NSW Wine Destination e-commerce training program, a New and Hidden Gems Chinese Buyers Mission to NSW and bespoke business matching. 

"The wine industry is a significant contributor to the NSW and Australian economy through production, employment, export and tourism, particularly in the Hunter region," Mr Barr said.

"There are about 90 vineyards and hundreds of supporting businesses providing almost 2,000 jobs for the local economy."

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong echoed those sentiments.

"The lifting of the tariffs is great news, particularly for one of Australia's oldest wine growing regions, the Hunter," he said.

"Since this tariff was introduced, Australia has seen a 99% reduction in wine exports as of 2023, so these new activations will be welcomed by local producers.  

"We understand the market has changed and conditions will be different this time around.

"Our focus will be to support NSW wineries to understand the new environment, re-enter the market and re-establish export pipelines.

"We're ready to roll out proven programs to help exporters capitalise on this positive news and get back into the market."

To find out more about exporting from NSW and the support available, visit https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/export/

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