Australian wine exports declined by 8 per cent in value to $2.34 billion and 6 per cent in volume to 613 million litres in 2025, according to Wine Australia’s Export Report released today. Although the overall figures were not positive – mainly driven by reductions in wine consumption in the key markets of mainland China, the United States (US), and United Kingdom (UK) – there were some positives trends emerging. Markets such as Canada, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia all grew in export value, while certain styles and price points grew in other markets.
Exports to top three markets decline in line with wine consumption trends
Exports to mainland China had the biggest impact on the decline in value, as shipments to the market were down by 17 per cent year-on-year to $755 million. The year-on-year decline was a result of three consecutive quarters with lower value than the same quarter in 2024 (see Figure 1). The figures represent a normalising of shipment levels after the initial re-stocking period into the market. Chinese consumers are being cautious with their spending, including on alcohol, and are therefore not consuming as much wine as they did prior to the imposition of import tariffs on Australian bottled wine. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, consumer confidence was around 90 at the end of 2025, down from levels around 120 pre-COVID-19 and only up slightly from the all-time low of 86 during COVID-19 era lockdowns[1]. The Chinese wine market is one third of the size it was five years ago – impacting both domestically produced and imported wines.
Figure 1: Value of exports to mainland China by quarter
More than 50 per cent of the volume of Australian wine exports go to the UK and the US. These two wine markets are facing very tough headwinds, including changing consumer habits with preferences away from wine drinking occasions and increased cost-of-living. According to the latest Circana and SipSource sales data from these markets, overall wine sales in the UK off-premise declined by 4 per cent in the past 12 months[2], while wine depletions in the US declined by 8 per cent[3]. This marked the fifth year of declines in the US wine market and the first time in two decades that total wine sales fell below 300 million cases, according to Impact Databank. Export value of Australian wine to the UK and US declined by 3 and 12 per cent respectively in 2025.
However, a small bright spot has emerged in the UK, with packaged exports valued above $7.50 per litre growing by 15 per cent in volume. The growth was spread across many of the key varieties – including Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grenache and Sauvignon Blanc.
Exports to mainland China shift towards white wines
There were very different performances by colour in exports to mainland China in the past 12 months(see Figure 2).Red wine exports declined by 25 per cent in volume to 58 million litres – decreasing from a 93 per cent share of exports in 2024 to 85 per cent. Meanwhile, exports of white wine grew by 77 per cent to 10 million litres, increasing to a 15 per cent share of export volume from 7 per cent. The top three varieties in white wine exports – Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling – all grew. The increase in white wine shipments was also spread across the price spectrum from lower to higher end wines. This is consistent with market trends in mainland China, where consumption occasions are moving from business dinners to more casual occasions where white wine is more suitable, according to IWSR. Sparkling and carbonated exports also increased in volume.
Figure 2: Volume of red and white wine exports to mainland China
Most Asian destinations grow
The Asian region, excluding mainland China, increased by 1 per cent in value to $494 million and 2 per cent in volume to 51 million litres in the 12 months to December 2025. Shipments to Singapore increased by 18 per cent in value to reach $118 million, overtaking Hong Kong for the first time since the 12 months to September 2020. The value of shipments to Hong Kong declined by 36 per cent, reaching the lowest level since late 2020. It should be noted that both markets are trading hubs in the region, therefore some of the wine shipped to these locations is re-exported to other markets. Export performance to these hubs can vary widely depending on business decisions by exporters to ship via a hub or direct to market.
Value growth was widespread amongst the other Asian destinations (see Figure 3), with the largest increases coming from Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Taiwan. The important Northeast Asian markets of Japan and South Korea also grew at slightly lower rates.
Figure 3: Exports to Asia by destination market (excluding mainland China)
Exports to Canada grow in value
Australian wine exports to Canada increased by 12 per cent in value to $175 million and declined by 2 per cent in volume to 64 million litres.
The increase in value was driven by a 15 per cent increase in packaged exports to Canada, with growth coming from across the price spectrum. This growth started in the second quarter of the year and continued through quarter four(see Figure 4. Many Australian brands in the Canadian market are experiencing increased sales, following the removal of American wines across Canada in response to US tariffs on Canadian products. According to the latest 2025 data from the Canadian liquor boards, Australian wine sales have increased by 24 per cent in Ontario,8 per cent in British Columbia, and 2 per cent in Québec when comparing to the previous year.
Figure 4:Value of exports to Canada by quarter
For more detailed analysis, please read the full Export Report.
To access more detailed data, please visit the Export Dashboard.
