French wine and spirits export volumes and values plunge

French wine and spirits exports have plunged to their lowest volume in at least 25 years, with demand damaged by trade tensions with both China and the US.

Sales were impacted by US tariffs and Chinese duties, with a strong Euro also making alcohol more expensive, industry body Federation des Exportateurs de Vins & Spiritueux (FEVS) said.

Total French wine and spirits exports dipped by 3% in volume in 2025 to 168 million cases, FEVS announced. Exports dipped by 8% in value to a five-year low of €14.3bn, with US and tariffs and Chinese duties hurting demand, trade publications drinks business reported. 

Traditionally, wine and spirits has been France’s second-largest export sector. It now trails behind aerospace and cosmetics.

FEVS chair Gabriel Picard said the sector would likely benefit from new EU trade agreements with India and the Mercosur bloc. But he warned the industry could continue to see difficulties in 2026 without improved market access.

In 2025, sales dropped almost a quarter (21%) to €3 billion, with volumes plummeting below 30 million cases. 

“There is a real decline in the United States and the volume correction may not have been sufficient, and perhaps we will see another volume correction in 2026,” Picard told Reuters news agency.

Cognac - France’s flagship spirit - saw sales dipping 15% in volume and 24% in value in 2025.

“Geopolitical tensions between France and China marked the end of cognac in China," Picard said. "Now stopping something doesn’t take long, but rebuilding takes a long time.” 

On the plus side, within Europe, wine and spirits exports held broadly stable at €4.1 billion, with resilience in markets such as the UK, where volumes rose 3% despite fiscal pressure, FEVS said.

The sales to South Africa also climbed 22% to €182 million, while Vietnam, the Philippines and Australia also showed strong momentum.