The volume of German wine shipped last year increased compared to 2023, but value shipments stagnated, according to data released this week.
Trade association the German Wine Institute (DWI) reported that volumes were up 3% to 1.2m hectolitres as values totalled EUR384m (US$417m) over the 12-month period. The organisation noted, however, that the average price paid per litre of wine abroad fell by EUR0.11 to EUR3.24.
DWI claimed that Germany is in “fierce competition” with other wine-growing nations, which can often produce wine more cheaply.
The US, the largest export market for German wine, saw a slight decline in volumes of 5%, while the value of EUR63m remained flat. The country saw the average price rise by EUR0.22 per litre to EUR4.75 per litre in 2024.
DWI took the opportunity to warn that if US President Donald Trump goes ahead with his proposed 200% tariffs on wine from the European Union, then this “would significantly slow down the development of US exports”.
Elsewhere, the Netherlands overtook Norway as the second biggest export market for German wine, delivering an 18% rise in volume and +8% in value, amounting to 170,000 hectolitres worth EUR36m. Poland had a similarly strong year; at 124,000 hectolitres, 14% more wine was exported to the fourth largest market as its sales increased 7% to EUR28m.
Exports to China increased significantly on 2023, jumping by 16% in volume and 11% in value.
“We are currently observing a global trend towards increased white wine consumption,” said DWI MD Monika Reule. “As a traditional white wine country with a 69% share of white grape varieties in cultivation, we are well positioned for this development.”
Earlier this week, the Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins expressed concern about the possibility of retaliatory EU tariffs being applied to its wine competitors from the US.
