The Italian wine sector welcomed 2025 with a notable surge in export figures, showing early signs of optimism in an otherwise volatile global market.
According to data released by ISTAT and analyzed by WineNews, Italian wine exports in January reached 578.6 million euros, marking a +7.5% growth in value, and 153.5 million liters, reflecting a +1.9% increase in volume compared to January 2024. This positive trajectory was led overwhelmingly by the United States, where a strategic anticipation of tariff hikes helped boost imports by +19.3% in value, or 162.5 million euros, and +4.1% in volume.
While this performance is encouraging, especially following Italy’s record-breaking 8.1 billion euros in wine exports in 2024 (+5.5% from 2023), experts warn against premature optimism. These numbers, while impressive, precede significant market disruptions caused by looming U.S. tariffs that began to take shape in February and March 2025.
Sparkling Wines Drive Growth
Sparkling wines continued to be a strong asset in Italy’s wine export portfolio, generating 150.4 million euros, with a +5.7% growth in value and 35.1 million liters exported (+6.1%). This segment remains a key driver, supported by steady demand in established markets.
Market Breakdown: Winners and Losers
United States: The standout performer in January. The tariff scare prompted a surge in early-year orders, but actual volume growth was moderate. However, with threats of a 200% tariff only partially realized—and ultimately "frozen" at 10% as of April—much will depend on future political developments.
Germany: The second-largest market showed a +5.3% growth, reaching 89.1 million euros.
United Kingdom: Up +3.7%, totaling 50.8 million euros, reflecting resilient demand despite economic pressures.
Canada: Surprised with a +23% leap, reaching 34 million euros, possibly influenced by favorable trade terms and consumer trends.
Switzerland (+2.5%), France (+6.1%), Belgium (+13.1%), and Japan (+11.3%) also started 2025 positively, underscoring a broad international appetite for Italian wines.
On the downside:
China: Continued its decline with a worrying -16.8%, importing just over 6 million euros of Italian wine.
Russia: After a dramatic +45.6% increase in 2024, January 2025 brought a sudden drop of -53.5%, falling to 9.1 million euros, hinting at deepening trade or political constraints.
A Cautious Outlook
While the January performance offers reasons for cautious optimism, it's widely expected that the export pace will taper in the coming months. The anticipated U.S. import block and subsequent slow recovery, following policy uncertainty under the Trump administration, poses a significant challenge. Talks between the U.S. and EU, especially following the recent meeting between President Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, suggest a willingness to negotiate, but tangible outcomes are still pending.
The January results should be seen not as a reversal of the difficult market dynamics, but as a momentary high point. Nevertheless, they underline the resilience and adaptability of Italian wine producers and exporters in navigating geopolitical risks and maintaining momentum in a shifting global landscape.
Source: WineNews