An update from the Fédération des Exportateurs de Vins & Spiritueux (FEVS) has shown that total French wine and spirits exports fell to their lowest level in 25 years, with export volumes down by 3% in 2025. 

At the same time, the industry body explained that exports dipped by 8% in value to €14.3bn. 

US tariffs and Chinese duties were both named as factors behind the lacklustre performance, with no obvious relief on the horizon. 

Speaking to Reuters about the US, Gabriel Picard, FEVS chair, said: “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.” 

Elsewhere, looking to the future, Picard said that trade should improve with new EU trade deals formed in 2025. However, he warned that the outlook could remain difficult. 

The figures 

The FEVS said that sales in China dropped by a staggering 20% to €767m, as anti-dumping duties impacted shipments of wine-based spirits. 

Exports of Cognac, which is France’s flagship spirit, dipped by 15% in volume and 24% in value. 

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

Europe, on the other hand, remained largely stable, and volumes in the UK actually rose by 3% despite pressure. 

Sales were also positive in South Africa, Vietnam, the Philippines and Australia. 

Champagne, which makes up 35% of all wine exports from France, showed mixed results, rising slightly in volume but falling by 4.5% in value.