South Africa’s Wine Exports Drop 13.8% as Global Demand and Tariffs Weigh on Sales

South Africa’s wine export sales declined in 2025, with volumes falling 13.8% to 264 million liters, according to a new report from Wines of South Africa (WoSA) and South Africa Wine (SAW). The report, compiled with the South African wine industry research body SAWIS, shows that total export value in local currency dropped 4.7% to R9.8 billion ($607.6 million). In US dollars, the value reached $548.5 million, a 2.4% decrease compared to 2024.

Industry officials pointed to a strategy of prioritizing value over volume as global wine consumption softened and economic challenges persisted. Packaged wine exports generated R7.7 billion in revenue, down 2% in local currency, but saw a slight increase of 0.4% in US dollar terms to $431 million. Packaged export volumes fell 4.6% to 117.6 million liters.

Bulk wine exports were hit harder, with sales value dropping 13.4% in Rands to R2.1 billion and declining 11.4% in US dollars to $117 million. Bulk export volumes slumped nearly 20% to 146.4 million liters. The report cited global oversupply, weaker demand, and tariff disruptions as key factors affecting bulk wine performance, though prices per liter for both white and red wines improved.

The United Kingdom remained the largest market for South African wine exports in 2025, with sales value flat at $145 million. Germany followed as the second largest market but saw a 9% drop in value to $48 million. Exports to the United States, the fifth largest market, fell sharply by 28% to $28 million after new tariffs were introduced in August. South African wine imports now face a 30% tariff in the US, and the report noted that the full impact of this measure will become clearer later this year.

Despite these challenges, WoSA and SAW highlighted growth in African markets, which now account for more than 10% of total export value. Sales value to African countries rose 13% in 2025 to $55 million. Kenya’s sales increased by 10% to $8 million, Zambia’s by 22% to $6 million, and Uganda’s by 24% to $3 million. Total sales volumes in Africa grew by 1% to reach 24 million liters, with Nigeria booking the largest volume at 4.2 million liters despite a slight decline from the previous year.

Siobhan Thompson, CEO of WoSA, said that South Africa’s export performance should be seen against a backdrop of declining global wine consumption, economic pressures, and rising trade barriers. She emphasized that focusing on value over volume and targeting key markets has helped maintain resilience in core areas such as the UK, Canada, and Sweden, while also building momentum across Africa and parts of Asia.

Rico Basson, CEO of South Africa Wine, noted that while the industry achieved value growth despite lower volumes, structural constraints continue to limit progress. He called for faster implementation of logistics and port reforms, removal of non-tariff barriers, and reduced regulatory red tape as essential steps for sustainable growth. Basson also stressed the importance of strategic trade negotiations to ensure South African wine can fully benefit from existing agreements and gain better access to both established and emerging markets.

The report reflects ongoing efforts within the South African wine industry to adapt its export strategy amid shifting global consumption patterns and economic headwinds while seeking new opportunities for growth in developing markets.