China flexes muscle to put Australian wine producers under pressure

Chinese importers of Australian wine are cancelling orders over confusion on whether Australian wine is banned in the country.

China has been displeased with Australia requests for a full investigation into the source of the coronavirus. Last week state-owned media and customs were warning of restrictions being imposed on goods, including wine, coming from Australia.

Tony Battaglene, chief executive of industry body Australian Grape & Wine told Harpers news “There has been no official confirmation of a ban, although the [Chinese] state-run Global Times reported that it was in place.” Battaglene said there were reports of importers telling exporters not to ship product until the situation is more clear.

This week's trade conflict is at odds with China who signed the world's largest trade deal with 14 other countries from the Asian and Pacific regions including Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.