Australian wine exports to China rise 8%

Australian wine exports to China rebounded last year as sales of cheaper wines gained traction, bucking a regional shift toward high-end tipples.

Australian government data shows total wine exports to China rose 8 percent to 40 million liters, valued at A$224 million ($183.34 million), a significant turnaround from 2013 when wine exports plunged 16 percent.

The revival was driven by sales of the low-value A$2.50-A$4.99 segment, following the introduction of austerity measures in China in late 2012. Asia accounted for more than 90 percent of Australia's ultra-premium wine exports－above A$50 a liter－according to data from the Australian Grape and Wine Authority.

The Australian industry has placed its faith in premium wines, increasing production of high-end tipples as a global wine glut combined with reduced orders from major economies prompted the international market to shrink.