South Africa wine exports fall 4.7% in 2025 as global demand softens

SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s wine exports declined in 2025 as global wine consumption weakened and macroeconomic pressures intensified, according to a new report from Wines of South Africa (WoSA) and South Africa Wine (SAW). 

The industry bodies said export values measured in rands fell 4.7% year on year to R9.8 billion (US$607.6 million), while exports valued in US dollars declined 2.4% to US$548.5 million. In 2024, South Africa had reported an increase in export revenues, supported by improved volumes of packaged wine. 

Total wine export volumes fell 13.8% to 264 million litres in 2025. Bulk wine volumes recorded the steepest decline, dropping nearly 20% to 146.4 million litres, while packaged wine shipments slipped 4.6% to 117.6 million litres. WoSA and SAW said the outcome reflected a “stable overall value performance” despite the decline in volumes. 

Siobhan Thompson, chief executive of Wines of South Africa, said: “South Africa’s export performance must be viewed in the context of a challenging global environment marked by declining wine consumption, economic pressure and rising trade barriers. Against this backdrop, our long-term strategy of prioritising value over volume and focusing on key markets is proving resilient.” 

According to the report, which was compiled alongside industry research body SAWIS, revenue from packaged wine exports declined 2% in rands to R7.7 billion (US$479.86M). However, when measured in US dollars, packaged wine revenue rose 0.4% to US$431 million. 

Bulk wine exports continued to struggle, with sales value down 13.4% in rands to R2.1 billion and down 11.4% in US dollars to US$117 million. 

The UK remained South Africa’s largest wine export market in 2025, with sales value flat at US$145 million. Germany, the second-largest market, recorded sales of US$48 million, a 9% decline from the previous year.  

Exports to the US, South Africa’s fifth-largest market, fell sharply by 28% to US$28 million. The report said tariffs introduced in August had “a disproportionate impact on exporting countries due to varying tariff rates”. South African wine now faces a 30% US tariff, with the “full effect” expected to become clearer later this year. 

African markets delivered strong growth, with their share now exceeding 10% of total export value. The value of exports to Africa rose 13% in 2025 to US$55 million. Kenya posted a 10% increase to US$8 million, Zambia jumped 22% to US$6 million and Uganda grew 24% to US$3 million. Volumes to Africa increased 1% to 24 million litres, led by Nigeria at 4.2 million litres. 

“Building demand in developing and emerging markets is central to our export strategy,” Thompson said. “These markets present opportunities for sustainable growth over the long term, particularly as global consumption patterns evolve.” 

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