2025 Australian wine exports: value and volumes down, Asia up (excluding China)

Australian wine exports closed 2025 down, following the rebound linked to the reopening of the Chinese market in 2024. In the 12 months to December 31, 2025, Australia’s total exports fell by 8% in value to AUD 2.34 billion and by 6% in volume to 613 million liters. The average export price decreased by 3% to AUD 3.81/liter FOB.

Weighing on the results is primarily the slowdown in mainland China, where the post-tariff “restocking” phase has ended, but also the weakness of key markets such as the UK and the USA. The report also highlights a more difficult structural context: declining global wine consumption, increasing health awareness, reduced alcohol consumption, and inflationary pressure on household budgets.

According to the analysis, the worsening performance is consistent with a long-term trend: in the main global markets, people are drinking less wine and consumption occasions are decreasing. Another key element is Australia’s strong exposure to Anglo-Saxon markets: over 50% of exported volumes go to the UK and the USA, two areas currently undergoing transformations in consumption and fiscal and distributive pressures.

The reopening of the Chinese market at the end of March 2024 provided temporary “oxygen,” but in 2025 demand turned weaker again. The wine market in China is now much smaller than it was five years ago, with consumers more cautious in their spending and less dynamism in the on-premise channel.

2025 recorded a setback for both bulk and bottled wine, with different dynamics. Bulk wine exports fell by 1% in value to AUD 480 million and by 3% in volume to 416 million liters. The average price rose by 2% to AUD 1.15/liter. The decline is mainly linked to China, while the growth in shipments to the USA mitigated the negative impact.

The most penalized segment, however, was packaged wine: -10% in value to AUD 1.86 billion and -11% in volume to 196 million liters. In contrast, the average price grew by 1% to AUD 9.46/liter.

Australian exports declined across almost all price ranges, but with some areas of resilience. Wines under AUD 5/liter fell by 8% in value (899 million) and 5% in volume (531 million liters).

Wines above AUD 5/liter also decreased (-9% in value to 1.44 billion and -6% in volume to 81 million liters), but an important signal emerged for the premium segment: the AUD 15–19.99/liter range grew by 11% in volume, driven by markets such as the UK, China, Canada, Denmark, and Hong Kong.

In terms of styles, 2025 confirms a transition: reds are losing weight, while whites are holding up better. Red wine exports fell by 10% in value (AUD 1.72 billion) and 9% in volume (339 million liters). The share of total exports fell from 58% in 2024 to 55% in 2025.

Among the most exported red varieties:

• Shiraz: -12% to 147 million liters
• Cabernet Sauvignon: -4% to 94 million liters
• Merlot: -5% to 38 million liters

Whites show greater stability: -3% in value to AUD 575 million, but +1% in volume to 258 million liters, with their export share rising to 42%.

Among the main white varieties:

• Chardonnay: -6% to 128 million liters
• Pinot Gris/Grigio: +28% to 52 million liters
• Sauvignon Blanc: -4% to 25 million liters

Rosé also declined: -13% in value (AUD 41 million) and -13% in volume (15 million liters).

During the period considered, Australia exported wine to 109 markets, down from 119 the previous year.

The top markets by value are:

1. Mainland China: -17% to AUD 755 million
2. United Kingdom: -3% to AUD 343 million
3. United States: -12% to AUD 287 million
4. Canada: +12% to AUD 175 million
5. Singapore: +18% to AUD 118 million

The top markets by volume:

1. United Kingdom: -9% to 194 million liters
2. United States: +11% to 118 million liters
3. Mainland China: -18% to 69 million liters
4. Canada: -2% to 64 million liters
5. New Zealand: -13% to 24 million liters

The Chinese market remains central to Australian export value, but slowed down in 2025. Exports to mainland China fell by 17% in value and 18% in volume. The average price remains stable.

Within the Chinese market, however, there is a significant signal: reds are down (-25% in volume), while whites are increasing markedly (+77%). The trend is linked to a change in consumption occasions, which are more casual and less tied to formal and business contexts.

In the UK, Australian exports closed down: -3% in value and -9% in volume. The average price grew by 7%. Despite the difficult context (cost of living, fiscal pressure, low confidence), a significant figure emerges for the high end: shipments above AUD 7.50/liter grew by 15% in volume, with growth spread across key varieties such as Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grenache, and Sauvignon Blanc.

The United States represents one of the most critical markets for 2025. Australian exports fell by 12% in value to AUD 287 million, while volumes increased (+11%) thanks to the bulk wine boom in the second half of the year.

Bulk wine to the USA grew by 50% in volume, while bottled wine fell by 20%. The consequence is a drop in the average export price to AUD 2.42/liter (-21%). The US wine market is in structural contraction, with falling sales and very strong competitive pressures on the lower and mid-price ranges.

In contrast, Canada is growing: +12% in value to AUD 175 million, with a slight drop in volumes (-2%). Growth is driven by packaged wine and a substitution effect linked to the lower presence of US wines on the shelves.

Asia (excluding China) grew slightly: +1% in value and +2% in volume. Singapore rose to 118 million (+18%), overtaking Hong Kong (which is in sharp decline). Among the markets with the most marked increases are Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Taiwan, with particularly strong growth rates in value.