The year 2025 proved challenging for French wine, the world’s leading wine producer in terms of export value.
Like other major wine-producing nations, France closed the year in negative territory across foreign markets compared to 2024.
The official figures were presented at Wine Paris, the flagship Vinexposium event, by the Fédération des Exportateurs de Vins & Spiritueux de France (FEVS) — an organization representing 550 members and covering 85% of French wine and spirits exports.
Wine Exports: A Return to 2021 Levels
In the twelve months of 2025, French wine exports reached:
- €10.5 billion in value (-4.1% vs 2024)
- 10.9 million hectoliters (-318,000 hl compared to 2024, -2.8%)
While the decline may appear moderate, it effectively brings French wine exports back to 2021 levels, reflecting a market struggling with macroeconomic and geopolitical pressures.
One bright spot was sparkling wine, which grew by 3% in volume and now represents 20% of total export volumes. However, this was not enough to offset declines in still wine categories.
United States and China: The Core of the Slowdown
The United States, France’s largest export market by value, generated nearly €1.9 billion, representing 17.9% of total wine exports. However, exports to the US fell sharply:
- -19% in value
- 1.6 million hectoliters (-14.8%)
The decline was largely driven by tariffs and the depreciation of the US dollar against the euro, reducing competitiveness.
China also significantly impacted overall performance. Combined figures show:
- -31.1% in volume
- -19.5% in value, down to €266 million
Together, the declines in the US and China account for more than 85% of the forecasted volume reduction for 2025, underlining their strategic importance.
Europe and Asia: Mixed Signals
The United Kingdom ranks second by value at €1.38 billion (-1.1%), but recorded a 4.6% increase in volume (1.39 million hl).
Germany stands at €718 million (-1.5%), second in volume at 1.4 million hl (-6%).
Among other key markets:
- Japan: €607 million (+0.4%)
- Belgium: €604 million (-0.7%)
- Canada: €483 million (+4.3%)
- Switzerland: €471 million (+5.1%)
- Singapore: €395 million (-2%)
- Netherlands: €371 million (+1.5%)
- Hong Kong: €313 million (+9.2%)
These figures suggest pockets of resilience, particularly in Canada, Switzerland, and Hong Kong.
Italy ranks 11th in value (€309 million, -6.3%) and 12th in volume (-2.2%).
Champagne, Bordeaux, Burgundy: The Weight of Prestige
By category:
- Champagne: €3.68 billion (-4.5% in value), +0.9% in volume
- AOCs: €5 billion (-5% in value, -5.9% in volume)
- PGIs: €829 million (-5% in value, -5.2% in volume)
Despite value decline, Champagne maintained volume growth, confirming continued demand for prestige sparkling wines.
At the regional level:
- Bordeaux: -8.9% in volume, -4.8% in value
- Burgundy: +2.3% in volume, +2.4% in value
- Rhône Valley: -6.3% in volume, -7.6% in value
Overall, Champagne (35%), Bordeaux (19%), and Burgundy (15%) together represent 69% of total French wine export value — highlighting strong concentration in premium appellations.
Spirits: A Deeper Contraction
When including spirits, total exports reached €14.3 billion, down 8% compared to 2024, with volumes decreasing 3%.
French spirits exports amounted to €3.7 billion, with export volumes falling to 44 million cases (-5%).
The most significant decline was in Cognac:
- €2.2 billion
- -23.8% in value
- -14.7% in volume
China’s anti-dumping duties severely impacted exports of Cognac, Armagnac, and other French brandies, compounding geopolitical tensions and trade barriers.
Structural Challenges and Political Expectations
Gabriel Picard, President of FEVS, summarized the situation clearly:
“Geopolitical tensions, trade conflicts, exchange rate fluctuations, and even the loss of consumer confidence have weighed on our exports.”
He emphasized the necessity for public authorities to implement political and regulatory measures that support the sector’s competitiveness and long-term sustainability.
Outlook for 2026
The 2025 results reflect a sector under pressure but not in structural decline. France remains the global leader in wine export value, supported by iconic regions and strong brand equity.
However, dependency on key markets such as the US and China remains a structural vulnerability. Diversification, trade diplomacy, and strategic premium positioning will likely shape the industry’s trajectory in 2026 and beyond.
Source: WineNews