As we reach the midpoint of 2025, European wine exports to the United States—its largest single market—demonstrate both resilience and adaptation amid new challenges.
The 15% tariffs on European wines, implemented by the US on August 7, 2025, have introduced uncertainty, following a period of early-year stockpiling by importers anticipating the tariff impact. Despite these headwinds, wine continues to hold a strong position in the US market, particularly Italian wines, which posted gains in both value and volume during the first half of the year compared to 2024, a record year. Italy’s improvement over H1 2024 amounts to EUR 26.2 million in value and 13.2 million liters in volume, despite a weaker June performance.
Monthly Insights: June 2025
According to US customs data analyzed by the Spanish Wine Interprofessional Association (OIVE), the United States reduced wine imports by 3.1% in value (EUR 490.8 million, -EUR 15.7 million) but increased volume by 3.8% (101.25 million liters, +3.7 million liters). The average price fell by 6.6% to EUR 4.85/liter (-EUR 0.34).
- By Value: France leads with EUR 191.3 million (+5.9% YoY), followed by Italy at EUR 169.8 million (-4.2%). Together, these two nations account for 73.6% of US imports. Spain overtook New Zealand for third place with EUR 30.5 million (+1.4%).
- By Volume: Italy remains the largest supplier at almost 33 million liters (+3.5%), representing 32.6% of total US imports in June 2025. France follows with 19 million liters (+34.4%), Canada at 14.5 million liters (-6.2%), and Spain at 6.9 million liters (+12.2%). New Zealand ranked fifth with 6.3 million liters (+20.7%).
First Half of 2025: Overall Trends
The US wine market closed H1 2025 with 6.5% growth in value and 1.9% in volume, while the average price rose 6.7% to EUR 5.06/liter.
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Top Supplier Countries (Value):
- France: EUR 1.27 billion (+22.3%)
- Italy: EUR 1.05 billion (+2.5%)
- New Zealand: EUR 241.9 million (-12.9%)
- Spain: EUR 169.6 million (-3.4%)
Among the top 13 suppliers by value, only France and Italy saw growth.
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Top Supplier Countries (Volume):
- Italy: 188.9 million liters (+7.5%)
- France: 104.6 million liters (+20.1%)
- Canada: 81.4 million liters (-29%)
- Australia: +6%, New Zealand: +14%, Chile: +6.6%
- Spain: 34.9 million liters (+7.2%)
Segment Insights
- Bottled Wine: Dominant segment at EUR 2.3 billion (+4.4%) and 363.7 million liters (+4.5%), accounting for 71% of value and 56% of volume. Average price stable at EUR 6.35/liter.
- Sparkling Wine: Second-largest by value; imports increased 17.2% in value (EUR 786.9 million) and 16.8% in volume (100 million liters), with an average price of EUR 7.87/liter (+0.3%).
Outlook
Despite tariffs and market uncertainties, European wines—especially from France and Italy—remain well-positioned in the US. Bottled and sparkling wines continue to drive value growth, while volume gains reflect sustained demand. The full impact of the new 15% tariff will unfold in the coming months, but early indicators suggest that European producers are successfully navigating the complex landscape, maintaining competitiveness and consumer appeal.
Source: WineNews