In this undated file photo, an employee sorts wines imported from Australia at the free trade zone in Nantong, Jiangsu province. (PHOTO / CHINA DAILY)

BEIJING - China's Ministry of Commerce on Thursday announced that the country will lift anti-dumping and anti-subsidy tariffs on Australian wine from Friday.

Given the changes in the relevant wine market in China, it is no longer necessary to impose such tariffs on imports of wine originating in Australia, the ministry said in a statement.

Australia's wine exports to China were worth 1.1 billion Australian dollars (some $713 million) in 2019, according to Ministry of Commerce

Australia's wine exports to China were worth 1.1 billion Australian dollars (some $713 million) in 2019, according to the ministry.

Canberra welcomed Beijing's decision to lift the tariffs.

A joint media release from Australian government agencies said that the Australian side welcomes this outcome, which comes at a critical time for the Australian wine industry, adding that "the re-entry of Australian bottled wine into the Chinese market will benefit both Australian producers and Chinese consumers."

The anti-dumping tariffs were imposed on March 28, 2021 for a five-year period.