Italian wine exports continue to lose momentum. The latest Istat export data, analyzed by WineNews and updated to August 2025, confirm a negative trend that has been consolidating throughout the year.
Compared to the first eight months of 2024—already a historically strong year—Italian wine exports recorded a -1.9% decline in value, amounting to EUR 5 billion, down from -0.9% in July.
Volumes show a slight recovery compared to July, but they remain negative at -2.9%, totaling 1.37 billion liters.
August 2025: the worst month of the year
After a relatively positive July, August 2025 delivered the weakest result so far. Exports reached EUR 481.9 million, marking an 11% drop compared to August 2024. This sharp monthly contraction highlights deepening structural challenges in global markets.
The United States: the biggest setback
The most striking decline comes from the United States, Italy’s top export market.
- August 2025: EUR 92.5 million
- August 2024: EUR 132.4 million
- Change: -30.1%
For the January–August period, exports reached EUR 1.21 billion, down -3.2% year-on-year. What was a stable situation in July has now widened into a clear deficit.
Volumes also weakened—228.3 million liters, shifting from stability earlier in the year to -2.2%.
The introduction of the 15% tariffs imposed by the US in August 2025 is already being reflected in purchasing behavior, weighing heavily on Italian producers.
Europe: mixed results but overall contraction
Across Europe, Italy faces mostly negative figures:
- Germany: EUR 742.9 million (-2.8%)
- United Kingdom: EUR 506.9 million (-2.5%, though slightly improved from July’s -3.1%)
- Switzerland: EUR 245 million (-2.9%)
- Belgium: EUR 139.2 million (-0.7%)
- Sweden: EUR 126.4 million (-3.5%)
- Austria: EUR 97.6 million (-6.6%)
A few markets buck the trend:
- France: EUR 209.5 million (+4.1%)
- Netherlands: EUR 163 million (+2.3%)
These gains, however, are insufficient to offset the broader European slowdown.
Canada stands out as a bright spot
One of the rare positive developments comes from Canada, which appears to be redirecting part of its wine purchasing away from the United States and toward Italy.
Exports to Canada reached EUR 283.1 million, an 11.3% increase compared to 2024.
Still, even this growth slowed slightly compared to July (+15.2%).
Asia and other markets: widespread declines
In Asia, the situation remains challenging:
- Japan: EUR 122.3 million (-5.4%)
- China: EUR 41.9 million (-26.6%)
- South Korea: EUR 32.9 million (stable)
China’s dramatic decline is particularly worrying, continuing a downward trajectory that began well before 2025.
Beyond Asia:
- Russia: EUR 113.2 million (-26.4%)
- Australia: EUR 50.7 million (+1.6%)
- Brazil: EUR 27.3 million (+2.2%)
Brazil and Australia offer small but encouraging signals, though their absolute volumes remain minor.
Structural Challenges and Market Realities
August 2025 marks a turning point: what began as early warning signs in July has now become undeniable.
Several structural pressures are shaping the downturn:
1. Consumption is declining
Even in markets without tariffs—particularly in Europe—Italian wine faces reduced consumer demand. Changing drinking habits, health-driven choices, and economic uncertainty are all contributing to falling volumes.
2. High inventories and a large 2025 harvest
Cellar stocks are already elevated, and the generous 2025 harvest adds further pressure. Producers may soon face the challenge of oversupply in a cooling global market.
3. Tariffs in the United States
The 15% US tariffs introduced in August 2025 are immediately impacting export competitiveness, especially for premium and mid-range wines.
4. Global competition
Other wine-producing countries—Spain, Chile, New Zealand, and Australia—continue to offer strong value propositions at competitive price points.
Conclusion
The Italian wine sector closes the summer period with increasing concern. The combination of falling demand, trade barriers, and growing inventories paints a challenging picture for the months ahead.
While some markets—Canada, France, the Netherlands—still offer glimmers of hope, the overall export curve is bending downward.
Unless global demand rebounds or new market strategies are quickly implemented, the trend may continue well into 2026.
Source: WineNews