In November, the European Union (EU) wine imports totaled 6.6 million hectoliters (mn HL), marking a 16.5% year-on-year (YoY) decline.
This study examines the import trends across key EU markets, assessing changes in volume and major supplying countries. While some countries, such as Belgium and Sweden, showed increased imports, others, including the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Italy, experienced significant reductions. The analysis highlights the factors contributing to these shifts, including economic conditions, trade policies, and evolving consumer preferences.
The EU wine market plays a crucial role in global trade, with fluctuating import levels reflecting broader economic and industry trends. November’s data indicates a notable reduction in total imports, with country-specific variations. This paper aims to analyze the changing landscape of EU wine imports by examining key importers, their sourcing countries, and the underlying factors influencing these trends.
Analysis of Major EU Wine Importers:
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Netherlands (NL):
- Imported 2.8 mn HL (-27.2% YoY)
- Main suppliers: France (0.86 mn HL, -40.1%), Spain (0.64 mn HL, -10.6%), Italy (0.63 mn HL, -31.4%), Portugal (0.33 mn HL, -19.4%), Germany (0.19 mn HL, +12.3%), Austria (0.04 mn HL, -26.4%)
- The sharp decline in imports from France and Italy suggests possible supply chain disruptions or decreased domestic demand.
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Germany (DE):
- Imported 1.08 mn HL (-16.1% YoY)
- Main suppliers: Italy (0.39 mn HL, -21.7%), Spain (0.33 mn HL, -21.6%), France (0.17 mn HL, +3.1%), South Africa (0.06 mn HL, +8.3%), Austria (0.03 mn HL, -10.9%), Chile (0.03 mn HL, +26.9%)
- Increased imports from South Africa and Chile indicate a shift toward non-EU wine sources.
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Belgium (BE):
- Imported 0.5 mn HL (+64.4% YoY)
- Main suppliers: France (0.28 mn HL, +141.6%), Italy (0.06 mn HL, -8.3%), Spain (0.05 mn HL, +49.2%), South Africa (0.03 mn HL, +65.2%), Germany (0.02 mn HL, -19.8%)
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France (FR):
- Imported 0.44 mn HL (-17.3% YoY)
- Main suppliers: Spain (0.27 mn HL, -25.4%), Italy (0.06 mn HL, -12.3%), Portugal (0.02 mn HL, -6.2%), South Africa (0.02 mn HL, +58.1%), Germany (0.01 mn HL, -8.2%)
- A notable rise in imports from South Africa despite an overall decline in total imports.
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Italy (IT):
- Imported 0.21 mn HL (-30.1% YoY)
- Main suppliers: Spain (0.16 mn HL, -38.3%), France (0.04 mn HL, +12.9%), Chile (0.01 mn HL, +1821%)
- The dramatic increase in imports from Chile suggests diversification beyond EU suppliers.
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Sweden (SE):
- Imported 0.17 mn HL (+10.8% YoY)
- Main suppliers: France (0.04 mn HL, +25.7%), Italy (0.04 mn HL, -2.4%), Spain (0.02 mn HL, -13.2%), South Africa (0.01 mn HL, +70.6%), Germany (0.01 mn HL, -21.2%)
- Sweden’s increased imports from France and South Africa highlight evolving consumer preferences.
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Poland (PL):
- Imported 0.15 mn HL (-6.5% YoY)
- Main suppliers: Italy (0.04 mn HL, +10.4%), France (0.02 mn HL, +10.6%), Germany (0.02 mn HL, +8.3%), Spain (0.02 mn HL, -11%), Portugal (0.02 mn HL, +9.5%), Georgia (0.01 mn HL, -18.9%)
- Modest growth in imports from Italy and France signals stable demand.
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Romania (RO):
- Imported 0.06 mn HL (-6.7% YoY)
- Main suppliers: Moldova (0.02 mn HL, +15.5%), Italy (0.01 mn HL, +0.2%), Spain (0.01 mn HL, -2%), Ukraine (0.01 mn HL, +41%), Hungary (0.01 mn HL, -21.7%)
- Increased imports from Ukraine indicate shifting sourcing strategies in Eastern Europe.
Conclusion
November’s EU wine import trends reflect a complex interplay of economic challenges, shifting trade policies, and evolving consumer demand. While Belgium and Sweden increased imports, major markets like the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Italy faced declines. The rising imports from non-EU producers, such as South Africa, Chile, and Ukraine, indicate diversification in supply sources. These trends will likely shape future wine trade policies and market strategies.