Red wines a sign of the times in Australia's ties with US and China

As China's economic clout grows, Australia's divided loyalties are more acute than ever. Ahead of Saturday's election, both leading parties are steering clear of the subject.

Neil Irwin
Australian vineyards are increasingly producing red wines favoured by a growing market of Chinese drinkers. Australia's wine exports to the United States have fallen 37 per cent since 2008; exports to China have risen 959 per cent.
Australian vineyards are increasingly producing red wines favoured by a growing market of Chinese drinkers. Australia's wine exports to the United States have fallen 37 per cent since 2008; exports to China have risen 959 per cent. PHOTO: NYTIMES
Updated
May 14, 2019, 07:24 AM
Published
May 14, 2019, 05:00 AM
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

SYDNEY • To understand why the Trump administration has struggled to build a global coalition of allies in its trade war with China, it helps to understand what is happening in the rolling hills and valleys of Australia's south-east and south-west coasts.

Vineyards that once made many crisp white wines and fruity red ones popular with American buyers are now also producing more austere reds, favoured by a segment of a rapidly expanding market of Chinese drinkers.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

ST One Digital

 $9.90/month

No contract

ST app access on 1 mobile device

Subscribe now

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on May 14, 2019, with the headline Red wines a sign of the times in Australia's ties with US and China. Subscribe

Available for
iPhones and iPads
Available in
Google Play

MCI (P) 066/10/2023. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No. 202120748H. Copyright © 2024 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.

Back to the top