Since the tariff duty of imported wine was decreased by 14 percent in January 2005, more foreign wine has been poured into the Chinese market. (File Photo)
 
When talking about foreign wine, most businesspeople from Europe, Australia and North America consider China as their most important market.

The Sino-Italian International Wine Fair was held in Shanghai from November 23 to 25. Paolo De Castro, Italian Minister of Agriculture and Hu Yanzhao, Shanghai Vice Mayor attended its opening ceremony, hoping to boost wine trade between China and Italy. Italian people not only promote their wine, but also their vermicelli, biscuit and coffee. Since the tariff duty of imported wine was decreased by 14 percent in January 2005, more Italian-made wine has been poured into the Chinese market.

France is another country making huge profits by selling its wine in China. Dominique Bussereau, French Minister of Agriculture and Fishery, said on November 15 that China has surpassed Japan to become the largest market importing French wine. The total volume of French-made wine imported to China has increased by 60 percent by the end of 2006, taking up 36 percent of China's imported wine.

Related survey indicates that there are three tendencies of Chinese wine market. More consumers of middle class and white collars are likely to take to drinking wine in booming bars and KTVs. Currently foreign wine has also occupied the market of some inland cities.
 
Editor: Yan