European Wines Dominate U.S. Market Rebound

Wine imports in the United States have shown significant fluctuations from January 2020 through April 2025, according to data from S&P Global analyzed by Del Rey AWM. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 led to a sharp drop in both the volume and value of wine brought into the country. This decline was followed by a strong rebound starting in the first half of 2021, as demand recovered and supply chains adapted. However, this recovery was marked by notable month-to-month volatility.

By mid-2022, the market experienced a pronounced correction. Import figures began to fall steadily, both in terms of value (measured in millions of dollars) and volume (in millions of liters). Analysts attribute this downturn to shifting consumer demand, ongoing logistical challenges, and the impact of inflation and international price changes. The correction continued through much of 2023 and into early 2024, as importers and distributors worked through excess inventory that had built up during the previous period of rapid growth.

In late 2024 and early 2025, signs of moderate recovery have emerged. This improvement is likely driven by expectations of new tariffs and a gradual normalization in global trade conditions. Still, import values remain below their previous peaks before the correction began.

France has taken the lead as the top supplier of wine to the U.S. market between January and April 2025, with exports valued at $984.9 million—a year-over-year increase of 33.1%. Italy follows with $798.4 million in sales, up 13.8% from the same period last year. Spain also saw growth, reaching $128.1 million (an increase of 8.3%). In contrast, New Zealand and Australia experienced declines in value, down 18.7% and 10.2% respectively, while Argentina’s figures remained stable and Chile saw a slight decrease.

The data points to a growing preference among American consumers for European wines, especially those from France and Italy. This trend is reinforced by stronger performance for bottled wines compared to bulk imports, with sparkling wines also showing robust gains.

April 2025 saw U.S. wine imports rise by just 3.2% in value and 1.5% in volume compared to previous months when double-digit growth rates were common—particularly in value terms. This slowdown suggests that earlier surges were partly due to restocking after inventory reductions in 2023 and early 2024, as well as anticipation of possible tariff increases.

Over the past twelve months ending in April, total U.S. wine imports reached $7.08 billion—a 7.2% increase over the previous year—with sparkling wines up 11.8% and still bottled wines up 8.1%. Bulk wine imports fell sharply by nearly 27%. The average price per liter across all categories rose slightly to $5.71.

Volume growth has been more modest than value growth, indicating that higher-priced wines are making up a larger share of imports. December 2024 saw a nearly 30% jump in volume compared to December 2023, but subsequent months showed smaller increases: January up 3.4%, February up 6.9%, March up 2.3%, and April up just 1.5%.

European suppliers have benefited most from these trends. France’s exports to the U.S. grew by about one-third in both value and volume during the first four months of this year, with average prices holding steady at $13.75 per liter. Italy increased its sales by nearly 14% in value and 17% in volume, maintaining its position as the leading supplier by volume at 123 million liters for the period.

Spain also posted gains—up more than 8% in value and over 18% in volume—while offering lower average prices than France or Italy. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s export value dropped sharply despite an increase in volume due to lower prices per liter; Australia’s exports declined both in value and volume; Chile managed a slight increase in volume but lost ground on revenue; Argentina remained stable; and Canada lost much of its bulk wine business with the U.S.

Market participants continue to watch for potential changes in U.S. trade policy that could affect tariffs on imported wine—a factor that has influenced buying patterns over recent months as importers seek to hedge against possible cost increases.

Long-term analysis suggests that after the pandemic-induced slump of 2020 came a period of strong demand for higher-priced wines, followed by a correction driven by excess inventory during 2023–24. The current uptick may reflect not only concerns about future tariffs but also steadier consumption levels than previously expected.

Overall, while U.S. wine imports are rising more strongly in value than volume—driven by demand for premium European wines—the market remains sensitive to external shocks such as trade policy shifts and global economic conditions. The outlook for coming months will depend on how these factors evolve and whether American consumers continue their shift toward higher-end imported wines amid ongoing uncertainty about tariffs and supply chain stability.