Imported Wines Seize Bigger Market Share in China

China's import of wine reached 170,200 kiloliters in the first half of 2011 and the domestic wine production increased 16.7% to 501,000 kiloliters, according to statistics released by the General Administration of Customs and China Alcoholic Drinks Industry Association. 

The import of bottled wine (below 2 liter) totaled 103,600 kiloliter in January through June, surging 60.2% year on year. The first-half import of bulk wine (over 2 liters) reached 66,600 kiloliters, up 18.8% year on year. The bulk wine represented 13% of domestic wine production. 

The imported wine has seized a 25% share of Chinese market. A source estimates that this year's imported wine in original bottles may total 225,000 kiloliters, which could have equal market share with Chinese wine a few years later.