US Market Dampens Germany's Wine Export Balance

Quality wines, which accounted for 71 percent of German wine exports of alltogether 1.2 million hectoliters, were largely unaffected by the downturn. Their export volume rose by three percent, and their export value remained almost stable.

Sharp Decline in Exports to the US

The 2025 export balance was substantially impacted by a significant drop in shipments to the United States, Germany’s most important export market. Due to punitive tariffs, exports to the U.S. fell by 11 percent to 118,000 hectoliters. German exporters also had to reduce their selling prices: the average ex‑cellar price declined by €0.41 to €4.43 per liter. As a result, the value of exports dropped even more sharply, decreasing by 19 percent to €51 million.

Alternative Export Markets

Due to the uncertain market situation in the U.S., many wine exporters are attempting to gain a foothold in other export markets. Countries such as those in Scandinavia, Poland, and China developed positively over the past year. In terms of market significance, the three Scandinavian countries Norway, Sweden, and Finland—with an export volume of 211,000 liters worth €71 million—now rank well ahead of the U.S.

Competitive Advantage from the Trend Toward White Wine

“We are currently benefiting from the global trend toward increased consumption of white and lighter wines. With two-thirds of vineyard area planted with white varieties, German producers are well positioned,” explained DWI Marketing Director Steffen Schindler. “Producers are also increasingly active in export markets to compensate for declining sales in the domestic market,” he added.

Norway, the second most important export nation for German wines, recorded a four percent increase in export volume last year, while maintaining stable export value. The average price achieved was an attractive €4.77 per liter—significantly higher than the overall German wine export average of €3.14 per liter.

Despite a four percent decline in total wine consumption in Sweden, German wine exports there rose sharply—up 32 percent in volume and 44 percent in value. With a 14 percent value share of white wine purchases, Germany is Sweden’s second-largest supplier in this segment. German rosés and sparkling wines are also enjoying growing popularity in Sweden.

The Polish market has also shown highly dynamic development for German wine exporters in recent years. From 2020 to 2025, exports doubled to 142,000 hectoliters worth €31 million. As a result, Poland has moved from eighth place to third among the most important export markets.

Imports of German wine to China have also grown against the general downward trend in wine consumption. With 50,000 hectoliters in the past year, they reached a new record high. While China’s traditionally strong red wine consumption is declining, white wines—especially Riesling—are gaining popularity, particularly among young consumers. This trend is highly promising for the future of German wines in the Chinese market.