International sparkling wine producers are navigating a challenging start to 2026 as U.S. import demand continues to weaken. According to data from the U.S. Department of Commerce analyzed by Del Rey Analysts of Wine Markets (AWM), total wine imports into the United States fell sharply during the first quarter of 2026, with purchases declining by 32.1% in value and 20.6% in volume compared to the previous year.
Sparkling wines proved slightly more resilient than still bottled wines in terms of value, although shipment volumes still recorded substantial declines. Between January and March 2026, the United States imported 38 million liters of sparkling wine worth approximately USD 307 million, representing around 50.6 million bottles at an average price of USD 8 per liter.
Italy remained one of the leading sparkling wine suppliers to the American market, yet exports still dropped significantly. Italian sparkling wine shipments fell 27% in value and 23.2% in volume during the first quarter. France also recorded lower exports, with sparkling wine sales declining 26.7% in value, although French producers limited volume losses to just 6.7%.
Market analysts believe France’s stronger resilience came largely from price adjustments. French exporters reduced average declared prices by more than 21% for sparkling wines, helping preserve market share despite softer demand. Italian exporters also lowered prices, but to a far smaller extent, with average values decreasing around 5%.
Spain faced the harshest market correction among major sparkling wine exporters. Sales of Spanish sparkling wines to the United States dropped 50.1% in value and 49.4% in volume during the first quarter of 2026. Unlike France and Italy, Spanish producers maintained relatively stable pricing, which may have limited competitiveness during a period of weakened demand.
The broader decline highlights increasing uncertainty in the global wine trade. Tariff concerns, economic pressure on consumers, and cautious inventory management among U.S. distributors are reshaping import strategies. As a result, producers worldwide are being forced to reassess export priorities, pricing models, and long-term positioning in the North American market.
Source: VinoVistara