The United States significantly increased its wine imports in the first quarter of 2025, both in volume and value, signaling growing consumer demand and robust international wine trade, despite looming tariff threats.
According to data from US customs authorities, analyzed by the Interprofessional Wine Association (OIVE), wine imports between January and March reached 328.5 million liters, marking a 3.9% year-on-year increase. In value terms, imports climbed 21.6% to EUR 1.748 billion, highlighting a sharp rise in average wine prices.
The average price per liter stood at EUR 5.32, up by EUR 0.78 compared to the same period in 2024. This gain reflects not just increased volume (+12.2 million liters) but, more significantly, an additional EUR 310.2 million in value—underscoring consumers' willingness to pay more for premium wines.
Leading Suppliers: France, Italy, and Spain
France remains the top supplier to the US in terms of value, recording an impressive 51% growth, reaching EUR 723.9 million in sales, alongside a 37% rise in volume, totaling 52.4 million liters. This performance represents an additional EUR 244.6 million in French wine exports compared to Q1 2024.
Italy retained its dominance in volume, exporting 93.1 million liters, a 16.6% increase, and saw a 17% rise in value. Spain, while still behind in overall value, saw solid gains: 15% growth in volume and 8% in value, totaling 17.4 million liters and EUR 88.5 million in sales.
Shifts in Secondary Markets
Other countries also saw movement in their US wine export performance. Moldova and the United Kingdom both recorded export growth to the US market in early 2025. In contrast, Canada experienced a sharp decline: a 29% drop in volume and 7% decrease in value. New Zealand remained the third-largest supplier by value, though US spending on its wines fell by USD 30.2 million. Australia, Portugal, and Israel also saw year-on-year declines in both metrics.
Looking at the broader period from April 2024 to March 2025, total US wine imports reached 1.239 billion liters, with a value of EUR 6.589 billion. Notably, growth in value (+14.6%) far outpaces that in volume (+0.9%), confirming the trend toward more premium imports.
Tariff Tensions and Diplomatic Pause
The trade environment remains fragile. A universal 10% import tariff came into force in the US on April 5th, raising concerns across the global wine sector. Further tensions arose when President Trump announced plans for “reciprocal” tariffs targeting European Union goods, proposing a 20% surcharge on wine imports. However, these measures were paused for 90 days starting April 9th to allow diplomatic negotiations.
In response, the European Union also suspended its planned retaliatory tariffs for the same period. The pause, set to expire in mid-July, offers both sides a brief window to reach a compromise on trade terms.
Outlook
While import growth and rising values suggest resilience and continued consumer interest in imported wine, the unresolved trade disputes cast uncertainty over the second half of 2025. Should additional tariffs be implemented after July, they could disrupt pricing and supply chain dynamics across major wine-exporting nations.
Until then, France, Italy, and Spain are capitalizing on US demand, with premium wine categories driving a surge in revenues. As negotiations unfold, the global wine sector will be watching closely.
Source: Vinetur