Despite economic uncertainties and the implementation of a 10% universal tariff on European products in April, the United States recorded a significant increase in wine imports during the first four months of 2025, according to U.S. customs data analyzed by the Spanish Wine Interprofessional (OIVE).
Between January and April, the U.S. imported 444.1 million liters of wine, up +3.3% compared to the same period in 2024. The total value of these imports surged to EUR 2.3 billion, reflecting a +15.2% increase. The average price per liter rose to EUR 5.19, marking an 11.5% jump year-over-year. These figures signal continued consumer demand for higher-priced, premium wines, particularly in bottled and sparkling formats.
Bottled Wine Leads; Sparkling and Bag-in-Box Gain Ground
Bottled wine remains the dominant category, accounting for EUR 1.65 billion in value and 242.7 million liters in volume. This segment grew by +15.7% in value and +8.8% in volume, indicating sustained interest in higher-quality products.
Sparkling wine recorded the highest growth in volume, with 67.1 million liters imported—a +30% increase—while the value rose by +23.1% to reach EUR 539.3 million. This continued boom reflects U.S. consumer enthusiasm for celebratory and lifestyle-oriented beverages, despite broader economic challenges.
The Bag-in-Box (BiB) category posted the highest percentage increase, albeit from a small base: +34.7% in volume (3.6 million liters) and +41.7% in value (EUR 11.2 million). These gains suggest growing consumer interest in convenient, budget-friendly formats.
In contrast, bulk wine was the only category to decline, falling -14.6% in volume and -20.3% in value, showing a clear shift away from low-cost, high-volume imports.
France and Italy Dominate; Spain and Others Expand Market Share
In terms of value, France maintained its leadership, with exports to the U.S. valued at EUR 922.8 million, up +34.6%. Italy followed with EUR 744.3 million (+14.7%), while New Zealand, despite ranking third, experienced a -17.7% drop to EUR 171.4 million.
Spain is making notable progress, reaching EUR 119.6 million in value—+9.2% compared to 2024.
In volume terms, Italy leads with 128.2 million liters (+16.9%), followed by France at 71.6 million liters (+29.4%). Spain ranked seventh, but still achieved a +18.2% increase, reaching 23.7 million liters.
Other exporters, including Chile (+2.2%), Argentina (+2.9%), and New Zealand (+7.9%), also improved their standings, while Canada saw a sharp drop of -31.6% in volume.
April 2025 Snapshot: Sparkling Wine Shines, Bulk Wine Wavers
April was particularly strong for sparkling wine, which grew by +33% in volume (18.2 million liters) and +16% in value (EUR 134.7 million). Bottled wine continued to dominate in volume (65 million liters) but saw a -5% dip in value, suggesting some price pressure or down-trading.
While bulk wine showed a brief rebound in April with +67% volume growth, the category still performed poorly overall due to year-to-date losses.
France and Italy captured 71% of U.S. wine import spending that month: France at EUR 198.9 million (-3.6%) and Italy at EUR 196.3 million (+8.4%). Spain’s April performance was also notable: EUR 31.2 million in value (+12.3%) and 6.3 million liters in volume (+27.5%), moving it closer to top-tier suppliers.
Tariffs Fail to Slow Premium Demand
The April 2025 implementation of a 10% tariff on European wines has not significantly hindered U.S. wine imports. While pricing has risen, consumer demand—particularly for premium and specialty products—remains robust. The average price per liter has increased notably, and categories such as sparkling wine, bottled formats, and BiB have all shown resilience and growth.
One notable discrepancy exists between U.S. import data and Spanish export figures, which is likely due to timing gaps in logistics and customs reporting. While Spanish customs data indicates a slight export dip, U.S. import data shows a clear rise.
Conclusion: U.S. Maintains Its Role as Global Wine Powerhouse
The United States continues to solidify its status as a key global importer of wine, fueled by increasing consumer interest in premium, sparkling, and alternative wine formats. Despite rising prices and new trade barriers, import volumes and values are climbing, particularly from established suppliers like France and Italy, with Spain, Chile, and Argentina making incremental gains.
As consumer preferences evolve toward quality, convenience, and occasion-driven purchases, sparkling wines, premium bottles, and BiB formats are poised to lead future growth in the U.S. market.
Source: Vinetur