After months of steady growth, U.S. wine imports showed signs of slowing in May 2025, confirming a trend already hinted at in March and April.
According to U.S. Customs data analyzed by the Spanish Wine Association (OIVE), the United States imported EUR 449.5 million worth of wine in May—a 16.8% decrease in value and a 5.4% decline in volume compared to the same month in 2024. This drop represents a loss of EUR 90.9 million and 5.7 million liters, casting a shadow over an otherwise encouraging year.
Despite this monthly setback, the broader outlook remains cautiously optimistic. In the first five months of 2025, U.S. wine imports still increased by 8.4% in value, reaching EUR 2.7 billion, and by 1.6% in volume, totaling 544.2 million liters. The average price per liter also rose by 6.7%, now standing at EUR 5.06/liter. These figures reflect growing consumer willingness to pay more for quality wine—even as total quantities stabilize.
France and Italy Lead the Pack
France and Italy remain the dominant players in the U.S. wine market, showing resilience and growth despite turbulence.
- France maintained its number one position in export value to the U.S., with EUR 1 billion (+25.8%) in the first five months of 2025. In terms of volume, it exported 85.6 million liters, marking a 19.2% increase.
- Italy, the second-largest trading partner, also fared well, exporting EUR 866.1 million in wine between January and May—a 4% increase in value. Italy led in volume with 155.9 million liters exported, up 8.4% from the same period in 2024.
In April alone, ISTAT data revealed that Italian exports rose by 6.59%, with a total value of EUR 667.2 million, reinforcing Italy’s steady performance even as May showed a market-wide slowdown.
Other Countries Face Setbacks
Outside of France and Italy, the picture is less encouraging. Among the top 10 wine-exporting countries to the U.S., the remaining eight all reported negative growth in export value:
- New Zealand
- Spain
- Australia
- Argentina
- Chile
- Portugal
- Canada
These nations, facing softer demand and possibly pricing pressures, contributed to the downward trend visible in May’s numbers.
What’s Ahead: Tariffs and Trade Tensions
All eyes now turn to August 1, the date when the United States is scheduled to increase EU wine tariffs from 10% to 15%—a development that could significantly affect the market in the second half of 2025. Both U.S. and EU industry stakeholders are pushing for wine to be included in a “zero-for-zero” tariff agreement to avoid this increase. The outcome could define the tone for transatlantic wine trade into 2026.
Final Thoughts
May 2025 may mark a temporary blip in an otherwise strong year for U.S. wine imports. While rising prices and selective consumer behavior temper the volume, the willingness to spend more per liter shows promise for premium producers—especially in France and Italy. Yet with tariff uncertainty looming, the sector is bracing for possible headwinds just as it gains momentum.
Source: WineNews