Arabic version: صادرات النبيذ الأسترالي تهبط إلى أدنى مستوى في 22 عاماً

According to ABC News, Australian wine exports have fallen to their lowest level in 22 years, with the volume sent overseas dropping below 600 million litres for the first time since 2004. Wine Australia linked the decline to lower global alcohol consumption, cost-of-living pressures and consumers shifting towards alternative beverages.

Exports fell 7 per cent in the last financial year to $2.3 billion, representing a $183 million hit for winemakers. China, the United States and the United Kingdom — Australia’s three largest markets — all recorded declines. China remained the biggest export market by value at $756 million, despite a 15 per cent fall in wine sent there.

Wine Australia general manager of market development Paul Turale said about 60 per cent of wine produced in Australia is exported, meaning tighter overseas markets create pressure across the supply chain. Faber Vineyard owner and winemaker John Griffiths said producers were competing in a shrinking market, with discounting by one seller putting pressure on others.

Canada provided an exception, as exports there rose 20 per cent to $188 million during the last financial year. Wine Australia said Australia gained buyers as a tariff dispute between Canada and the United States reduced the availability of US wine. Globally, wine consumption is about 20 billion litres, down from almost 30 billion litres in 2018, and has reached its lowest level since 1961.

Producers are adapting through lighter-bodied wines and low- or zero-alcohol options. Mr Turale highlighted mid-strength wines with 7 to 9 per cent alcohol as a growing sector. Margaret River also bucked the national trend, with exports up 5 per cent over the past 12 months, while Australia’s 2026 vintage totalled 1.3 million tonnes of grapes, below the 10-year average.