German wine exporters reported mixed results in 2025, as global exports of German Wine rose by one percent while export value declined by two percent to €377 million, according to the German Wine Institute (DWI).
Quality wines, which make up 71 percent of Germany’s total wine exports (1.2 million hectoliters), remained strong overall. Export volume for these wines increased by three percent, while their overall value held steady.
Exports to the US
Exports to the United States were a key factor in the overall results. As Germany’s largest export market, the U.S. saw a noticeable decline as tariffs impacted imported wines. On part with nearly every major exporter to the United States, Germany saw losses in volume and value. Shipments declined 11 percent to 118,000 hectoliters, and German producers also had to lower prices, with the average price falling by €0.41 to €4.43 per liter. As a result, the total value of exports to the U.S. declined even more sharply, down 19 percent to €51 million.
Alternative Export Markets
In response to ongoing uncertainty in the U.S., many German wine producers are focusing more on other international markets. Regions such as Scandinavia, Poland, and China all showed strong growth over the past year. In particular, Norway, Sweden, and Finland have become increasingly important, with combined exports reaching 211,000 hectoliters valued at €71 million.
White Wine Trend Supports German Wine Growth
German wines are also benefiting from a growing global interest in white and lighter-style wines. “We are currently benefiting from the global trend toward increased consumption of white and lighter wines. With two-thirds of vineyard area planted with white varieties, German producers are well positioned,” said DWI Marketing Director Steffen Schindler. He added that producers are continuing to expand internationally to help offset declining sales at home.
Among individual markets, Norway, the second most important export nation, saw export volume increase by four percent while maintaining strong pricing at an average of €4.77 per liter. This is well above the global average of €3.14 per liter.
In Sweden, despite an overall four percent drop in wine consumption, German wines performed exceptionally well. Exports rose 32 percent in volume and 44 percent in value. Germany is now the second-largest supplier of white wine in Sweden, and demand for German rosé and sparkling wines is also growing.
Poland continues to stand out as one of the fastest-growing markets. Between 2020 and 2025, exports doubled to 142,000 hectoliters, valued at €31 million. This growth moved Poland from eighth to third place among Germany’s top export destinations.
China is also showing promising momentum. Even as overall wine consumption declines, imports of German wine reached a record 50,000 hectoliters in 2025. While red wine is becoming less popular, younger consumers are increasingly turning to white wines, especially Riesling. This trend creates strong opportunities for German producers in the years ahead.
To learn more, read the German Wine Institute’s full press release.
