Italian wine exports drop 3.6% in 2025 as US tariffs hit shipments
Italian wine exports decline amid US tariffs, but new trade agreements with Mercosur, India, and Australia present fresh opportunities for growth and market diversification.
ITALY – Italian wine exports faced notable challenges in 2025, with shipments declining in key markets, particularly the United States, amid ongoing tariff pressures.
According to data presented by the Federvini Observatory at Vinitaly 2026, exports fell by 3.6% in value, representing a loss of nearly €300 million compared to the previous year.
The United States recorded the steepest decline, with imports of Italian wine dropping by 12% in value. The downturn has been linked to tariffs introduced by the US government a year earlier, which have continued to weigh on trade into early 2026.
In the first two months of the year, exports to the US were down 34% compared to pre-tariff levels in 2024.
Despite these setbacks, Italy’s wine sector has shown relative resilience compared to other major exporters. France recorded a 4.4% decline, Spain fell by 5.1%, Chile by 10.2%, while US wine exports dropped by 36%. These figures were presented as evidence of the broader impact of tariff barriers on global trade.
The analysis, conducted in collaboration with Nomisma and TradeLab, was discussed by industry leaders and policymakers, including Federvini president Giacomo Ponti and Italy’s Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso.
The discussions highlighted how new European Union trade agreements are opening alternative markets for Italian producers.
Starting May 1, a provisional agreement with Mercosur will grant Italian exporters access to a market of 260 million people with a combined GDP of $3 trillion.
Over the past five years, wine imports in Mercosur countries have grown by 45%, with Italy currently holding an 8% market share. Italian red wines from Tuscany and Piedmont are gaining increasing recognition in the region.
India has also emerged as a strategic growth market following a new trade agreement. With a population of 1.47 billion, Italian Prosecco exports to India have risen by 165% over the past five years. Reduced tariffs—from a historical rate of 150% to between 20% and 30%—are expected to further support demand.
Australia presents additional opportunities after a recent agreement eliminated customs tariffs on Italian wines. The market, valued at more than €540 million in wine imports, is seen as a key destination, although concerns remain regarding geographical indication protections.
Ponti said, “Ongoing instability—driven by geopolitical tensions such as conflicts in the Middle East—continues to affect both European and global economies.” He added that new trade agreements “offer hope for growth and diversification.”
Domestically, Italy’s wine market remained stable, with supermarket sales holding at €3 billion in 2025 despite a 2.8% decline in volume. Sparkling wines led growth, with volumes increasing by 3.1% and value by 2.7%, while IGP wines maintained their position.
Industry stakeholders emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between businesses and institutions to navigate current challenges and sustain long-term growth.
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