South African Wine Export Sales Decline

27 Feb South African Wine Export Sales Decline

According to a recent industry report, the value of South Africa’s wine exports declined by 4.7% last year to R9.8bn ($607.6m). The value of exports in US dollars reached $548.5m, a 2.4% decline from the previous year, which is contradictory to 2024 which saw wine export revenues rise amid improved volumes of packaged wine.

Furthermore, export volumes slid 13.8% to 264 million litres, with bulk volumes dropping nearly 20% to 146.4 million litres, whilst the volume of packaged wine shipped also falling by 4.6% to 117.6 million litres.

South Africa’s export performance is reflective of the challenging global environment currently faced by the wine industry which includes declining wine consumption, economic pressure and rising trade barriers.

The U.K was the largest market for South African wine exports in 2025, but sales value was flat at $145m. Germany, the second-biggest market, saw sales reach $48m in the year, a 9% drop on 2024 value.

Exports to the U.S., the fifth-largest market for South African wine last year, tumbled 28% to $28m, with the introduction of tariffs in August having a significant impact on trade as South Africa is subject to a 30% tariff from the US, with the full impact anticipated to become evident later this year.

Conversely, the value of sales to African countries increased 13% in 2025 to $55m, including Kenya which increased by 10% to $8m, Zambia which grew by 22% to $6m and Uganda which rose by 24% to $3m.

Given the challenging global backdrop, South Africa’s industry is exacting a long-term strategy that prioritises value over volume and focuses on both key and emerging markets, which present opportunities for sustainable growth as global consumption patterns evolve.

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