Champagne Exports to US Plunge Amid Tariffs as UK and English Sparkling Wines Gain Ground

Champagne exports to the United States dropped sharply in August, with both volume and value falling as a result of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on European wines. According to data from the Comité Champagne, shipments to the U.S. in August were down 41.5% in volume and 56.8% in value compared to the same month last year. The decline follows the implementation of tariffs targeting French wine imports, which have made Champagne more expensive for American importers and consumers.

Despite this steep drop in August, overall Champagne shipments to the U.S. for the first eight months of 2025 remain up by 10.3% in volume compared to the same period last year. This is largely because many producers anticipated the tariffs and shipped extra stock earlier in the year to avoid higher costs. However, while volume is up, value has barely increased, rising just 0.3% over the same period in 2024. The average price per bottle has fallen by 9.1%, reflecting pressure on profitability for Champagne houses selling into the American market.

The outlook for the rest of the year remains uncertain. If tariffs continue through December, some Champagne originally intended for the U.S. may be redirected to European markets, which could lead to oversupply and lower prices there.

In other export markets, results are mixed. Japan, which ranks third after the UK and U.S. as a destination for Champagne exports, saw a 3.8% increase in volume in August but a 7.1% drop in value as average prices fell by 10.5%. For the year to date, Japan’s imports are up 8.7% in volume and 7.5% in value, showing resilience despite recent price declines.

Among the top 15 export markets for Champagne, only Germany, Italy, Belgium, and China did not see growth in shipment volumes during the first eight months of 2025. However, average prices are falling in ten of these key markets as global demand softens and supply remains high.

The United Kingdom stands out as an exception among major markets. Shipments to the UK surged by 42.5% in August compared to last year, far outpacing other top destinations where most saw declines or only modest growth. Industry sources attribute this spike to early stocking by UK supermarkets preparing for pre-Christmas promotions on private label Champagnes—a trend that began in mid-September.

While shipment volumes to the UK have soared, value has increased by a smaller margin of 29.4%, and average prices have dropped by 11.1% over the first eight months of this year. Nielsen data for UK retail sales up to September 7 show that white Champagne sales rose by 5% in volume and 3% in value compared to last year, with average bottle prices slipping slightly from £26.55 to £26.14.

Rosé Champagne sales declined by 5% in volume but only fell by 2% in value, with average prices rising from £35.80 to £37.12 per bottle over the same period. Private label Champagnes performed strongly, growing by 19% in volume and 13% in value.

Champagne faces increasing competition from English sparkling wine in the UK market. Retailers are expected to offer significant volumes of English sparkling wine at prices as low as £10 per bottle during the final quarter of this year—well below both current averages for English fizz (£23.70) and imported Champagne.

English sparkling wine is gaining ground on its French rival: sales volumes rose by 9%, and values increased by 7% over the past year according to Nielsen figures through early September. English sparkling rosé now accounts for nearly a quarter of domestic sparkling wine sales—outpacing Champagne rosé’s share—and grew by 5% in volume and 10% in value over the past year.

As global demand patterns shift and new competitors emerge, Champagne producers face a challenging landscape heading into the crucial holiday season when much of their annual sales are made. The impact of tariffs, changing consumer preferences, and increased competition from local sparkling wines will continue to shape export strategies for producers across France’s famed Champagne region through the end of this year and beyond.