Cheers! &#8211; South African wineries eye China boom as zero-tariff rollout nears

Article by Viory.Video

The Diemersdal Wine Estate in Cape Town is preparing to expand its exports in anticipation of rising demand, as China’s upcoming zero-tariff policy opens access to a vast new consumer market.

“There’s a huge market we can now access on much better terms than previously. So we’ve always been in competition with other winemaking countries, obviously, but now we almost compete on the same platform,” said Steffi Layer, the International Marketing Manager at Diemersdal.

“South Africa always had the opportunity to deliver very good wines for very good value for money. So I think in the future there will be a great opportunity as of the first of May when the tariffs fall,” she continued.

Winemakers highlight unique production characteristics as part of their competitive edge. At Diemersdal, vineyards rely solely on rainfall rather than irrigation – a method producers say can intensify flavour.

“That makes the grapes a bit more concentrated, smaller berries and a lot of flavours that transfer to the wine at the end of the day,” said Juandre Bruwer, a winemaker.

Beyond boosting exports, industry players say the policy shift could also generate broader economic benefits.

“It gives Diemersdal new heights basically to grow and with that growth it directly impacts the worker,” Bruwer said. “We already got future prospects that we want to reach and with the opening of the market and the access to the market just helps Diemersdal grow its potential.”

“I think South Africa has learned a lot. I think the wine quality has improved dramatically. I think at the moment we’re making outstanding wines for very good value for money and the tourism offering is amazing,” Layer added.

China will introduce a zero-tariff policy on all product categories for 53 African countries starting May 1, providing a clear pathway for South African wine to enter the Chinese market duty-free.

Article and Video by Viory.Video